Overpowering Emotions: Tools for Child & Teen Anxiety and Resilience

236. Why Doesn’t Reassurance Work for Anxiety and Big Feelings?

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 06:00:23 GMT

Helping children manage big emotions doesn’t start in the moment of meltdown—it starts long before.

In this episode of Overpowering Emotions, Dr. Caroline breaks down how self-monitoring builds emotional regulation from the inside out. You’ll learn how naming feelings with precision keeps the brain online, why body signals matter more than behaviour alone, and how small daily check-ins can prevent overwhelm before it escalates.

Dr. Caroline shares practical tools like feelings wheels, body mapping, coping cards, and self-coaching journals, along with real-life examples from parenting and clinical work. She also addresses a common trap—rescuing kids too quickly—and explains how to support without taking over.

This episode is essential listening for educators, parents, and mental health professionals who want to help children and teens build lasting emotional skills, increase independence, and feel more in control of their reactions.

Homework Activities for Adults

Daily Emotion Check-Ins

Ask: “What are 3 feelings you had today?”
Use visuals (feelings wheel, emoji chart)
Resource: printable feelings wheel or fridge chart

Body Awareness Practice

Prompt: “What does your chest/tummy/hands feel like?”
Do this during calm moments, not just stress
Resource: body map template (outline of body to label sensations)

Before–After Coping Reflection

Before: “How do you think you’ll feel?”
After: “What worked? What didn’t?”
Resource: simple rating scale (1–10)

Self-Coaching Journal

Write phrases like:
“I can do this”
“I’m scared but I can handle it”
Resource: notebook or printable journal prompts

“Can’t Yet” Challenge

List “I can’t…” statements
Add “yet”
Move one item into action each week

Adult Modelling Practice

Say out loud:
“I’m feeling overwhelmed—my chest feels tight. I’m going to slow down.”
Keep it simple and contained

Basic Needs Check

Track:
Food
Water
Sleep
Resource: daily checklist

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Follow Dr. Caroline

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.carolinebuzanko

IG: https://www.instagram.com/dr.carolinebuzanko/

LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/dr-caroline-buzanko

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrCarolineBuzanko/

Website: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/

Resources: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/resources/articles-child-resilience-well-being-psychology/

Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

Want to learn more about helping kids strengthen their emotion regulation skills and problem-solving brains while boosting their confidence, independence, and resilience? Check out my many training opportunities! https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/upcoming-events/

235. Are You Helping Kids Too Much—and Hurting Their Confidence?

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 07 Apr 2026 18:00:14 GMT

This episode challenges one of the most common habits adults fall into: trying to make kids feel better too quickly.

Dr. Caroline breaks down what actually builds emotional strength in children—and it starts with us. From the way we talk about mistakes to how we respond when kids struggle, every reaction is shaping how they see themselves.

You’ll hear why growth mindset often stays surface-level, how to model it in real time (not just talk about it), and why stepping back can be more powerful than stepping in. Dr. Caroline also introduces anti-fragile parenting—helping kids grow stronger through everyday stress instead of shielding them from it.

This conversation is essential for educators, parents, and clinicians who want to raise kids who can handle discomfort, persist through challenges, and develop real confidence.

Key topics:

Growth mindset in action (not just theory)
Why “fixing” emotions can backfire
How to model learning, mistakes, and resilience out loud
Letting kids struggle without abandoning them
Building independence through everyday challenges

Homework Activities for Adults

1. “Catch Your Fixed Mindset” Exercise

Notice when you say: “I’m not good at this”
Reframe it out loud: “I haven’t learned this yet”
Say it where kids can hear

Resource: Sticky notes or phone notes to track patterns

2. Narrate Your Mistakes Daily

While cooking, working, or learning something new
Say out loud: what went wrong + what you’ll try next

Resource: None—just awareness

3. Two-Minute Pause Rule

When a child struggles, wait 2 minutes before stepping in
Observe what they try first

Resource: Timer on phone

4. “Three Strategies Before Help” Rule

Before helping, ask: “What have you tried?”
Require three attempts or ideas

Resource: Visual reminder posted at home/class

5. Mistake of the Day Ritual

Each evening: share one mistake + what was learned
Can be done at dinner or bedtime

Resource: Journal or whiteboard

6. Stress Reframe Exercise

Draw two columns: “Stress is harmful” vs “Stress is helpful”
Reflect on your reactions

Resource: Paper + pen

7. Challenge of the Week

Pick one uncomfortable activity (learning, social, skill-based)
Do it together as a family

Resource: “Challenge jar” with ideas

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Follow Dr. Caroline

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.carolinebuzanko

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LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/dr-caroline-buzanko

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Website: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/

Resources: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/resources/articles-child-resilience-well-being-psychology/

Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

234. Why Do Kids Lose Control of Their Emotions — And What Signals Do We Miss First?

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 31 Mar 2026 07:00:20 GMT

Children rarely melt down without warning. Their bodies, thoughts, and behaviour usually send signals long before emotions explode. The challenge for parents, educators, and mental health professionals is learning how to spot those signals early.

In this episode of Overpowering Emotions, Dr. Caroline continues the conversation on self-monitoring strategies for kids and teens. She walks through practical ways adults can help children notice emotional clues in their body, identify the exact feeling they’re experiencing, and respond before frustration, anxiety, or anger takes over.

You’ll hear how tools like feelings wheels, body maps, coping cards, emotion rating scales, and self-coaching journals help young people build emotional awareness and confidence. Dr. Caroline also shares simple routines adults can use at home or in the classroom to help children practise emotional regulation daily.

This episode also highlights a powerful shift: moving kids from “I can’t” to “I can’t yet.”

Educators, parents, and clinicians will walk away with practical strategies that help children:

recognise early emotional warning signs
understand body signals tied to feelings
challenge negative thinking patterns
practise self-coaching during difficult moments
build confidence managing anxiety, frustration, and overwhelm

Helping kids manage big emotions starts with helping them notice the clues.

Homework Activities for Adults Supporting Kids

1. Daily Emotion Check-In

Ask children:

Morning:

“How are you feeling today?”

Mid-day:

“Has that feeling changed?”

Evening:

“If you could pick three feeling words for today, what would they be?”

Purpose:

Children start noticing that emotions shift during the day.

Resource needed:

feelings wheel
emoji chart

2. Body Mapping Activity

Have kids draw a simple outline of a body.

Ask them to mark where they feel emotions:

Examples:

butterflies in stomach
tight chest
clenched fists
tired eyes

Purpose:

Children begin recognising body signals linked to emotions.

Resource needed:

printable body map template
coloured pencils or markers

3. Emotion Rating Scale

Ask kids to rate emotions from 1–10.

Questions:

“How nervous were you before the test?”
“Where is that feeling now after you used a coping strategy?”

Purpose:

Children learn that emotions change after using coping tools.

Resource needed:

emotion scale chart

4. Self-Coaching Journal

Have children write statements they can use during difficult moments:

Examples:

“I am brave.”
“I can try.”
“I’m scared but I’ll be okay.”

Purpose:

Builds inner dialogue that counters negative thoughts.

Resource needed:

journal or notebook

5. “I Can’t Yet” Challenge

Create two lists:

List 1:

Things I can do

List 2:

Things I can’t do yet

Encourage kids to move items from the second list to the first over time.

Purpose:

Builds persistence and confidence.

Resource needed:

worksheet or poster

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Follow Dr. Caroline

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.carolinebuzanko

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LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/dr-caroline-buzanko

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Website: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/

Resources: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/resources/articles-child-resilience-well-being-psychology/

Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

233. The Hidden Skill Kids Need to Control Their Behaviour

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 24 Mar 2026 07:00:15 GMT

Children rarely “choose” big reactions. Most of the time, they simply don’t notice what is happening inside their body until it’s too late.

In this episode of Overpowering Emotions, Dr. Caroline Buzanko explains how to teach kids one of the most important emotion regulation skills: self-monitoring.

When children learn to recognize early body signals—tight shoulders, a racing heart, frustration rising—they gain the ability to pause and respond differently. That shift changes behaviour at school, improves friendships, and reduces daily power struggles at home.

Dr. Caroline walks through practical ways adults can guide children to notice emotional signals, understand what their body is communicating, and choose strategies before reactions escalate.

You’ll learn:

• Why emotional awareness is the starting point for behaviour change

• How “Hulk brain” takes over when kids miss early warning signs

• The power of body-clue mapping and emotional awareness activities

• How to create simple self-monitoring systems kids will actually use

• Ways parents and teachers can reinforce progress without pressure

These tools help children move from reacting automatically to responding with intention.

If you support children who struggle with frustration, overwhelm, impulsive reactions, or emotional outbursts, this episode offers clear strategies you can begin using right away.

Homework Activities for Adults Supporting Kids

Activity 1: Body Clue Mapping

Goal: Help kids recognize early emotional signals.

Steps:

Print or draw a simple outline of a body.
Ask the child to mark where they feel sensations during different emotions.
Label the feelings connected to those sensations.

Examples:

Frustration → tight shoulders

Anxiety → stomach knots

Anger → hot face

This builds awareness of body signals tied to emotions.

Resources needed:

• Printable body outline

• Coloured pencils or markers

Activity 2: Emotional Weather Check-In

Goal: Help kids describe emotional states.

Steps:

Ask the child to choose weather that matches how they feel.
Sunny = calm
Cloudy = worried
Stormy = angry

Adults can then ask:

“What kind of gear would help for this weather?”

Example:

Stormy → break, water, breathing.

Resources:

• Weather chart or visuals

Activity 3: Self-Coaching Practice

Goal: Build internal dialogue for regulation.

Kids create their own phrases such as:

“I can handle this.”

“One step at a time.”

“I can count to five.”

Practice during calm moments first.

Resources:

• Small cue cards

• Backpack or desk reminder

Activity 4: Emotional Monitoring Chart

Goal: Track awareness and progress.

Steps:

Choose one challenging moment (homework, transitions, bedtime).
Create a simple chart.
Kids record whether they noticed their feelings.

Adults praise awareness, not perfection.

Resources:

• Printable chart

• Stickers or markers

Activity 5: If-Then Coping Plans

Goal: Prepare responses to emotional triggers.

Example:

If I feel my heart racing

Then I will count to 10 and take a drink of water.

Write plans on small coping cards.

Resources:

• cue cards

• marker

Enjoying the show? Help out by rating this podcast on Apple to help others get access to this information too! apple.co/3ysFijh

Follow Dr. Caroline

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.carolinebuzanko

IG: https://www.instagram.com/dr.carolinebuzanko/

LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/dr-caroline-buzanko

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrCarolineBuzanko/

Website: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/

Resources: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/resources/articles-child-resilience-well-being-psychology/

Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

232. Impulse Control vs Distress Tolerance | Which Skill Matters More?

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 17 Mar 2026 08:00:32 GMT

Self-monitoring is the skill that quietly changes everything: focus, impulse control, distress tolerance, and even conflict at home and school. In this Overpowering Emotions episode, Dr. Caroline teaches educators, parents, and mental health professionals how to build self-monitoring as a trainable skill—not a sticker chart, not a punishment, and not a “catch them when they’re already melting down” plan.

You’ll learn how to start with behaviours kids already know (think: a task they can do on autopilot), set a clear target using Dr. Caroline’s SOAP criteria, create a simple tracking system, and use cues like timers or classroom chimes to help kids “pause and check.” You’ll also hear how to reinforce the right thing early on: accurate awareness, even when the child wasn’t on task.

If you support kids with ADHD, anxiety, big feelings, classroom disruptions, or sibling conflict, this episode gives you practical language, ready-to-use examples, and a step-by-step way to grow independence—without nagging, shame, or power struggles.

Homework activities for adults (plus resources to prep)

Homework A: Pick the “easy win” target

Choose a behaviour during a task the child already knows well (not new learning).
Write the target using SOAP:
Specific: exactly what they will do
Observable: you can see/hear it
Appropriate: fits the setting
Personal: fits the child’s level

Resource: a one-sentence target + a short list of examples/non-examples.

Homework B: Build a simple self-monitoring form

Pick ONE method:

Checklist (multi-step tasks like chores/writing)
Rating scale (how well did I stay in my seat?)
Tally count (each time I raised my hand)

Resource: a paper tracking card or a simple note page; add smiley faces/stickers for younger kids.

Homework C: Add a cue

Use a timer, smartwatch, chime, or an adult signal (thumbs up).
Start frequent (short intervals), then stretch it out gradually.

Resource: phone timer or classroom chime; choose a cue word (“focus check,” “chore check”).

Homework D: Reinforce accuracy, not perfection

When the cue goes off, compare adult rating + child rating.
Reward matching ratings, even if the child marked “No, I wasn’t on track.”

Resource: a small, immediate reinforcer list (attention, short break, points, sticker, choice).

Homework E: Baseline + graph (optional, powerful)

Track the behaviour for 3–5 occasions across several days.
Graph it so the child can see progress.

Resource: a simple bar chart on paper, or dots on a chart.

Enjoying the show? Help out by rating this podcast on Apple to help others get access to this information too! apple.co/3ysFijh

Follow Dr. Caroline

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.carolinebuzanko

IG: https://www.instagram.com/dr.carolinebuzanko/

LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/dr-caroline-buzanko

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrCarolineBuzanko/

Website: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/

Resources: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/resources/articles-child-resilience-well-being-psychology/

Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

231. Heart-Focused Attention for Kids | Emotional Regulation Without Power Struggles

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 10 Mar 2026 08:00:35 GMT

What do you do when a child’s anger shows up fast—and keeps showing up? In this episode of Overpowering Emotions, Dr. Caroline sits down with Luminara (Esther Clyne), an intuitive energy healer with 20+ years of experience supporting kids, teens, and adults through overwhelm, trauma, and nervous system dysregulation.

Luminara shares why teens who struggled early often hit a wall later, and how “secure support” changes everything. You’ll hear practical, school-friendly tools she teaches students (and encourages them to teach their parents), including HeartMath-inspired heart-focused attention, guided imagery for anger that builds self-compassion, and a simple grounding practice she calls “look, listen, feel” to bring attention back into the body.

Educators, parents, and mental health professionals will walk away with language you can use in the classroom, at home, or in session—especially when breathing exercises don’t land well for a child. This conversation is warm, real, and full of techniques you can try today.

About Luminara (Esther Clyne)

Luminara, also known as Esther Clyne, is an intuitive energy healer, author, and musician with over 20 years of experience supporting children, teens, and adults through trauma, overwhelm, and nervous system dysregulation. Her work blends energy awareness, body-based practices, guided visualization, and heart-focused regulation, with a strong emphasis on compassion, safety, and emotional presence.

Luminara works closely with teenagers in school settings and one-on-one, drawing from both lived experience and decades of practice. She is known for translating complex emotional and nervous system concepts into language kids understand, and for teaching tools that empower young people to regulate themselves—and confidently share those tools with the adults in their lives.

Homework activities for adults

A) The “hand on heart” reset (60–90 seconds)

Put a hand on your chest.

Focus on the sensation of heart/chest warmth on the hand… then hand warmth on the chest.

If you have space, slow breathing slightly and imagine breath moving through the chest.

Resource: none.

Best use: when your child escalates; do it before you talk.

B) Anger-as-a-puppy visualization (3–5 minutes)

Picture sitting in a rocking chair outdoors.

Imagine holding a puppy/kitten/baby that represents anger.

Offer the same soothing you’d give that creature.

When it calms, bring it “back into the heart centre.”

Resource: quiet corner + 3 minutes.

Best use: bedtime, after school, before tough transitions.

C) “Look, listen, feel” for presence (2 minutes)

Look slightly up (about 20%) and fix eyes gently on one spot.

Listen to sounds around you.

Feel one body sensation (heart, hands, feet).

Try to hold all three. When thoughts rush in, restart.

Resource: none.

Best use: sleep support, anxiety spirals, classroom reset.

D) Proactive practice schedule (simple)

Heart-focused attention: morning + night (as suggested in the episode).

“Look, listen, feel”: once midday (lunch break, prep period, school pick-up).

Resource: phone reminder (optional).

Enjoying the show? Help out by rating this podcast on Apple to help others get access to this information too! apple.co/3ysFijh

Follow Dr. Caroline

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.carolinebuzanko

IG: https://www.instagram.com/dr.carolinebuzanko/

LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/dr-caroline-buzanko

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrCarolineBuzanko/

Website: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/

Resources: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/resources/articles-child-resilience-well-being-psychology/

Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

230. What’s the “Next Right Thing” to Say When a Student Is Panicking?

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 03 Mar 2026 08:00:28 GMT

Radical acceptance is a strong start… then kids still look at you like, “Okay, now what?” In this episode of Overpowering Emotions, Dr. Caroline Buzanko teaches the missing step: agency—helping kids and teens take the next right thing even when they feel anxious, angry, embarrassed, or stuck.

You’ll hear simple scripts, plus kid-friendly metaphors (GPS detours, storms and umbrellas, rivers, and the “two arrows”) that turn spirals into small, doable moves. Dr. Caroline also shares a real story from parenting a 10-year-old through a tough coaching situation—without swooping in—and shows how to validate emotions while still building resilience.

If you support youth with anxiety, school refusal, perfectionism, overwhelm, or big feelings, this episode gives you practical language and quick activities you can use today: grounding in the body, values-based choices, “even though” self-coaching, and daily reflection that trains courage over avoidance.

Homework activities for adults supporting kids/teens

A) The 3-step reset (use in real time)

Prompt 1: “Name the reality.” (“This is hard.” “This hurts.”)
Prompt 2: “Find it in your body.” (“Where do you feel it—chest, hands, stomach?” “Left or right?”)
Prompt 3: “Pick one small step.” (“What’s one thing you can do right now?”)

Resource to prep: a tiny cue card for adults (phone note or printed) with the three prompts.

B) The “Even though… I still can…” script practice (2 minutes/day)

Have the child complete 1 sentence daily:
“Even though I feel ___, I still can ___.”
“Even though I want to ___ (avoid), I still can ___ (stay/try).”
Adults model it too (kids copy what they see).

Resource to prep: a note in the kitchen/classroom wall, or a journal page with 10 blank lines.

C) Values Compass (15 minutes, then weekly check-ins)

Draw a circle, divide into “pie slices” of important areas (friendship, learning, family, health, fun, etc.).
Rate satisfaction 1–10 for each slice.
Ask: “What makes it a 2 and not a 1?” then: “What bumps it up by 0.5?”

Resource to prep: blank “values pie” worksheet (paper + markers) or a whiteboard template.

D) Choose-your-response scenarios (flexibility training)

Pick one common stressor (pop quiz, reading aloud, being left out, forgotten homework).
Brainstorm 3 response types:
avoidance (run away)
neutral/mixed (ask to read with partner)
approach/values-aligned (read one sentence even while nervous)

Resource to prep: a list of 10 scenarios relevant to your child/student group.

E) Daily “bravery receipt” reflection (2–5 minutes)

Question: “What was something hard today?”
Question: “What did you do anyway?”
Close: “Today, I acted like someone who values ___.”

Resource to prep: a journal, sticky notes, or a simple nightly routine prompt.

Enjoying the show? Help out by rating this podcast on Apple to help others get access to this information too! apple.co/3ysFijh

Follow Dr. Caroline

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.carolinebuzanko

IG: https://www.instagram.com/dr.carolinebuzanko/

LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/dr-caroline-buzanko

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrCarolineBuzanko/

Website: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/

Resources: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/resources/articles-child-resilience-well-being-psychology/

Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

229. Radical acceptance for kids & teens: Reduce big emotions without pretending it’s fine

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 24 Feb 2026 08:00:04 GMT

Big feelings don’t go away just because we want them to. In this episode of Overpowering Emotions, Dr. Caroline Buzanko teaches radical acceptance as a practical skill for kids, teens, and the adults supporting them—educators, parents, counselors, and clinicians.

You’ll learn how to help young people spot when the “Hulk brain” is running the show, get the self-regulating brain back online, and choose a response that keeps them moving—without pretending the situation is okay. Dr. Caroline uses simple metaphors (rainstorms, quicksand, traffic jams, finger traps) plus classroom-ready scripts like “This is hard, and I can handle it.” You’ll also get hands-on tools: a control-circle exercise, a radical acceptance jar, coping cards, and “yet” language that builds confidence over time.

If you support kids who get stuck in “it’s not fair” loops, this episode gives you language, visuals, and practice ideas you can use the same day.

Homework for Adults

A) The Control Map (10 minutes, weekly)

Draw two circles: Inside = In my control, Outside = Not in my control
Put the current stressor in the middle, then list what belongs where.

Resource: paper + marker; optional printable you can make with two circles.

B) “BUT → AND” Script Practice (2 minutes a day)

Take common complaints and rewrite them out loud using AND. Try:

“This is hard, and I can handle it.”

“I’m feeling upset, and it’s okay—this is normal.”

“I can be uncomfortable and still be brave.”

Resource: sticky notes on a wall/mirror; coping cards in backpack.

C) “Yet” Statements + Progress Tracker (5 minutes, 2–3x/week)

Swap “I can’t” with “I can’t… yet.”
Track wins so anxiety doesn’t erase them.

Resource: a simple chart with columns: What I’m working on / What I tried / What helped / What changed.

D) Radical Acceptance Jar (weekly celebration)

Kids write one moment they didn’t like, accepted, and kept going.
Pick a few each week and celebrate effort, not results.

Resource: jar + slips of paper; optional stickers for effort.

E) “Rain vs. Umbrella” Daily Check-In (30 seconds)

Ask at dinner or after school: “What was your rain today? What was your umbrella?”

F) Role-Play Micro-Frustrations (3 minutes)

Practice with tiny stuff: marker color, waiting a turn, a plan change.

Use the same closing line: “I don’t like it, but I can handle it.”

Resource: a short list of role-play prompts on your phone.

Enjoying the show? Help out by rating this podcast on Apple to help others get access to this information too! apple.co/3ysFijh

Follow Dr. Caroline

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.carolinebuzanko

IG: https://www.instagram.com/dr.carolinebuzanko/

LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/dr-caroline-buzanko

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrCarolineBuzanko/

Website: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/

Resources: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/resources/articles-child-resilience-well-being-psychology/

Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

228. Are We Accidentally Making Anxiety Worse by Reassuring?

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 17 Feb 2026 08:00:55 GMT

Kids and teens don’t struggle because they feel anxious — they struggle because they believe they can’t handle uncertainty. In this episode of Overpowering Emotions, Dr. Caroline breaks down one of the most overlooked skills in anxiety treatment: learning how to sit with not knowing.

Drawing from real clinical moments, classroom realities, and everyday parenting struggles, this episode walks through how reassurance, predictability, and “just checking” can quietly keep anxiety running the show. You’ll hear practical ways to help children stay in the moment even when outcomes feel scary — from separation anxiety and perfectionism to social worries and OCD.

After listening to this episode, leave with concrete ideas that actually work: behavioural experiments, playful practice, language shifts, and debrief questions that build confidence without chasing calm. This is an episode about raising brave kids who can move forward even when nothing feels guaranteed.

Homework Ideas to Support Kids & Teens

Delay answers on purpose

Acknowledge questions without providing certainty. Use: “That’s a good question — what do you think?”

Set short, clear uncertainty challenges

Stay in a room for five minutes without checking. Wait before asking. Leave a question unanswered.

Use playful unknowns

Mystery lunches, dice-decided choices, surprise plans, cliffhangers in stories or shows.

Practice language swaps

“I can handle not knowing yet.”
“I want to know, but I can wait.”
“This feels hard, and I’m okay.”

Debrief after every practice

Ask about effort, not outcomes. What helped? What was harder than expected? What surprised you?

Helpful resources:

Timer or visual countdown
Notebook or scrapbook for “I didn’t know, and I handled it” moments
Age-appropriate riddles or puzzles
List of values-based goals the child cares about

Enjoying the show? Help out by rating this podcast on Apple to help others get access to this information too! apple.co/3ysFijh

Follow Dr. Caroline

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.carolinebuzanko

IG: https://www.instagram.com/dr.carolinebuzanko/

LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/dr-caroline-buzanko

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrCarolineBuzanko/

Website: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/

Resources: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/resources/articles-child-resilience-well-being-psychology/

Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

227. What If Emotional Regulation Starts With Discomfort, Not Comfort

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 10 Feb 2026 08:00:40 GMT

Big emotions don’t shrink by talking about them. They shrink through practice.

In this episode of Overpowering Emotions, Dr. Caroline shares playful, practical distress-tolerance activities that help children and teens stay with discomfort without exploding, avoiding, or shutting down. From ice cube challenges to boredom practice, rule-changing games, and urge-surfing exercises, this episode shows how to train the brain to stay online when emotions spike.

Designed for classrooms, therapy rooms, and families at home, these tools help kids learn that discomfort rises, shifts, and passes — and that they can handle it.

Homework Ideas

These activities work best when adults join in. Keep them brief. Stay curious. Talk about what shows up.

Ice Cube Hold

Hold an ice cube and notice the sensations as they change. The goal isn’t endurance — it’s staying present until it melts.

Ask:

“What did your body want to do?”

“Did the feeling stay the same?”

Silent Sound Challenge

Sit quietly and listen for small sounds around you. Notice boredom, restlessness, or wandering thoughts without fixing them.

Ask:

“What showed up when things got quiet?”

“What urge did you notice?”

Sour Candy or Lemon Bite

Let the sour hit. Stay with it as the intensity fades.

Ask:

“How long did the strongest part last?”

“How is this like big emotions?”

Still-as-a-Statue

Stay in one position and notice urges to move, scratch, or quit.

Ask:

“What urge was hardest to ignore?”

“What happened when you didn’t act on it?”

Itchy Nose / Ride the Urge

Notice an itch or urge without giving in. Watch it rise and pass.

Ask:

“Did the urge change over time?”

“When else do urges feel like this?”

Rule-Change Games

Change the rules halfway through a game and watch what comes up.

Ask:

“What feeling showed up when things changed?”

“What helped you keep going?”

Delayed Gratification Practice

Wait between episodes, treats, or rewards. Sit with the wanting.

Ask:

“What did waiting feel like?”

“What helped you handle it?”

Urge Timer

Set a short timer and sit with an urge without acting. Slowly increase time.

Ask:

“What helped you stay?”

“What would you try again?”

One Rule for All Homework

Keep it short (3–5 minutes).

Do it together.

Always link it back:

“What did you do here that could help next time something feels hard?”

Enjoying the show? Help out by rating this podcast on Apple to help others get access to this information too! apple.co/3ysFijh

Follow Dr. Caroline

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.carolinebuzanko

IG: https://www.instagram.com/dr.carolinebuzanko/

LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/dr-caroline-buzanko

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrCarolineBuzanko/

Website: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/

Resources: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/resources/articles-child-resilience-well-being-psychology/

Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

226. Distress Tolerance vs. Emotional Avoidance | What Works

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Mon, 02 Feb 2026 16:00:50 GMT

Are adults accidentally making anxiety stronger?

In this episode of Overpowering Emotions, Dr. Caroline Buzanko explains why accommodation, reassurance, and avoidance — even when well-intentioned — keep kids stuck in fear. Drawing from clinical work and real-world examples, she shows why discomfort is where learning lives and why confidence grows only when kids stay in the situation.

This episode is for parents, teachers, school teams, and clinicians who want children to tolerate frustration, build resilience, and trust themselves.

You’ll hear:

Why avoidance fuels anxiety
How reassurance backfires
Why stopping accommodation matters more than teaching skills
What validation sounds like without reinforcing fear
How adults regulate themselves so kids can regulate too

🎧 Free training mentioned in this episode:

Avoiding Common Mistakes with Anxiety

https://koru-learning-institute.thinkific.com/courses/avoidingcommonmistakeswithanxiety

Listen, share, and support kids in becoming brave.

Homework Ideas for Adults

Start small. One change at a time is enough.

Practise emotional neutrality

When a child is distressed, your first job is managing your own response. Neutral tone. Neutral body language. Calm breathing. Kids borrow your nervous system before they can use their own.

Spot one accommodation to pause this week

Pick a single behaviour you’ll stop adjusting around anxiety. Not everything — just one.

Common places to look:

answering repeated “are you sure?” questions
changing routines to avoid discomfort
allowing avoidance of tests, presentations, or social situations
staying with a child longer than needed to reduce anxiety
offering constant reassurance instead of confidence

Validate feelings without discussing outcomes

Name the emotion and stop there. No fixing. No convincing. No explaining. Short responses work best.

Use one steady script

Choose a single line and repeat it calmly:

“I know this is hard.”
“I know you can handle this.”
“Let me know when you’re ready.”

Consistency matters more than wording.

👉 Free scripts you can use right away:

5 Phrases That Calm Anxious Kids (Without Reinforcing Anxiety)

https://korulearninginstitute.kit.com/5phrasesthatcalmanxiouskids

Model frustration out loud

Let kids hear you work through something difficult. Show effort, pauses, mistakes, and recovery. This teaches far more than advice ever will.

Hold the line kindly

When resistance shows up — crying, whining, stalling — stay calm and wait. Courage grows through staying, not escaping.

Enjoying the show? Help out by rating this podcast on Apple to help others get access to this information too! apple.co/3ysFijh

Follow Dr. Caroline

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.carolinebuzanko

IG: https://www.instagram.com/dr.carolinebuzanko/

LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/dr-caroline-buzanko

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrCarolineBuzanko/

Website: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/

Resources: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/resources/articles-child-resilience-well-being-psychology/

Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

225. When Kids Can’t Tolerate Frustration, What’s Actually Missing?

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Mon, 26 Jan 2026 16:00:25 GMT

If kids melt down the second something feels hard, this episode is for you.

Dr. Caroline explains distress tolerance — a core emotion regulation skill that helps children and teens handle frustration, anxiety, disappointment, and discomfort without blowing up, shutting down, or escaping. She shares why the brain needs uncomfortable feelings for learning, how the nervous system reacts in milliseconds, and why quick fixes can backfire over time.

You’ll learn:

- Why discomfort is where the brain rewires and learns

- How “making it easier” can create long-term fragility

- A simple 1–10 scale to lower intensity without minimizing feelings

- “Ride the wave” + “storm” metaphors kids remember

- How to keep the prefrontal cortex online during big feelings

- A practical grounding/pendulation tool (often helpful for neurodivergent kids)

- The three minds (emotion mind, rational mind, wise mind) using Smart Hulk, - Spock, and Captain Kirk

- How to model this in real life so kids build confidence through doing hard things

This episode is for teachers, school counsellors, parents, therapists, psychologists, and mental health professionals supporting children.

⏱️ Try this today: Ask, “How big is this feeling 1–10?” then, “What would bring it to a 7 or 8?”

Chapters

00:00 Distress tolerance + why kids need it

01:40 Nervous system + stress response

04:21 “We keep robbing kids” of discomfort

07:06 Finding the 6–7 learning zone

08:03 The 1–10 scaling tool

10:16 Emotions pass (and what fuels them)

13:43 Ride the wave + storm metaphor

17:03 Grounding to keep the prefrontal cortex online

18:24 Pendulation (roots through the feet)

22:29 Emotion mind vs rational mind

28:36 Wise mind (Smart Hulk balance)

35:47 Pros/cons to slow impulsive choices

43:00 Stop making it easier (chips story)

Homework Ideas to Support Kids & Teens

A) The 1–10 “bring it to a 7” check-in (daily, 60 seconds)

Script: “How big is it 1–10?” → “What would bring it to a 7 or 8?”
Resource: feelings chart for younger kids; for teens, a Notes app tracking scale.

B) Weather Report Feelings (younger kids + classrooms)

Prompt: “If your feelings were weather right now, what would it be?”
Follow-up: “What might your weather map look like later today?”
Resource: paper + markers, or a whiteboard “weather wall”.

C) Ride-the-Wave timer (build proof feelings pass)

Do: set a timer and track how long the feeling stays intense.
Script: “How long do you think this will last?” → timer → “What happened?”
Resource: phone timer + simple log (date / feeling / intensity / time).

D) Grounding to keep the thinking brain online (not to “calm down”)

Prompts: “Where do you feel it?” “Left or right?” “Describe it.”

E) Pendulation (“roots through the feet”) for big body sensations

Practice: chest sensation → feet sensation → back to chest → back to feet.
Resource: optional cue card with steps.

F) Three Minds roleplay (Smart Hulk / Spock / Captain Kirk)

Ask: “What would Emotion Mind say?” “What would Rational Mind say?” “What would Wise Mind choose?”
Resource: character images (optional).

G) Pros/cons (for impulsive urges)

Do: “Pros now / costs later” list on a sticky note.
Resource: sticky notes or Notes app.

Enjoying the show? Help out by rating this podcast on Apple to help others get access to this information too! apple.co/3ysFijh

Follow Dr. Caroline

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.carolinebuzanko

IG: https://www.instagram.com/dr.carolinebuzanko/

LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/dr-caroline-buzanko

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrCarolineBuzanko/

Website: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/

Resources: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/resources/articles-child-resilience-well-being-psychology/

Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

224. When emotions take over, is impulse control even possible to teach?

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 20 Jan 2026 07:00:55 GMT

Impulse control is a foundational skill for emotion regulation—and many kids don’t have it yet.

In this episode of Overpowering Emotions, Dr. Caroline continues her series on impulse control and explains how impulsive reactions block learning, problem-solving, and emotional growth. You’ll learn how to help kids and teens slow down, map their emotional patterns, and practise new responses before big emotions take over.

Topics covered:

Why impulsivity makes emotion regulation harder
How to map thoughts, feelings, body sensations, urges, and behaviours
Using environment changes to make self-control easier
If-then planning that works in real life
Helping kids practise new behaviours without shame or power struggles
Why reinforcement and recovery time matter

This episode is designed for parents, educators, school staff, and mental health professionals working with kids who react fast and struggle to pause.

🎧 Listen, share, and subscribe for more practical tools to support emotional growth.

Enjoying the show? Help out by rating this podcast on Apple to help others get access to this information too! apple.co/3ysFijh

Follow Dr. Caroline

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.carolinebuzanko

IG: https://www.instagram.com/dr.carolinebuzanko/

LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/dr-caroline-buzanko

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrCarolineBuzanko/

Website: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/

Resources: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/resources/articles-child-resilience-well-being-psychology/

Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

223. What do kids need before impulse control can improve?

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 13 Jan 2026 07:01:36 GMT

Impulsivity doesn’t come from nowhere. It shows up when emotions move faster than skills.

In this episode of Overpowering Emotions, Dr. Caroline moves into part 2 of impulse control, unpacking what kids actually need to slow impulsive reactions and make better choices when feelings surge. You’ll hear why impulse control cannot be taught in isolation, how emotional literacy lays the groundwork, and why kids need repeated, real-world practice, not lectures, to change behaviour.

We talk about recognizing emotional patterns, mapping triggers across the day, teaching opposite actions, building self-coaching language, and creating safe opportunities for kids to practice responding differently while emotions are active. This episode is packed with practical strategies for parents, educators, and clinicians who want to help kids build real pause, choice, and follow-through.

Homework Ideas

Track daily emotion triggers using simple ABC notes (Antecedent, Behaviour, Consequence)
Help kids identify body cues that signal rising emotion
Create a short list of opposite actions for common emotions
Practice self-coaching scripts out loud, then quietly
Set up safe, repeatable practice moments at home or school
Reinforce effort with specific feedback
Rotate practice across settings, people, and times of day

Helpful Tools

Coping cards
Choice boards
Emotion–action–outcome maps
Visual stop cues
Progress tracking charts

Enjoying the show? Help out by rating this podcast on Apple to help others get access to this information too! apple.co/3ysFijh

Follow Dr. Caroline

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.carolinebuzanko

IG: https://www.instagram.com/dr.carolinebuzanko/

LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/dr-caroline-buzanko

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrCarolineBuzanko/

Website: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/

Resources: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/resources/articles-child-resilience-well-being-psychology/

Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

222. Why do kids react before they think?

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 06 Jan 2026 07:02:38 GMT

Many kids struggle with impulse control, and adults are often left wondering why strategies don’t stick. This episode breaks down the foundations of impulsive behaviour and why so many kids react without thinking — especially when emotions are high.

Dr. Caroline explains the building blocks kids need long before self-control can happen: emotional safety, a developing prefrontal cortex, attention regulation, and the four types of impulsivity that influence behavior. You’ll learn how urgency, acting too fast, difficulty sticking with tasks, and sensation seeking show up in everyday life.

This episode helps parents, educators, and mental health professionals finally understand the why behind big reactions — and sets the groundwork for change.

Homework Ideas

Track patterns (simple, daily).

Write down:

When impulsivity happened
What emotion was present
What urge the child felt
What behaviour followed

This reveals triggers and themes.

Build “urge awareness.”

Ask your child:

“When you feel angry, what does your body want to do first?”
“When you're excited, what do you want to do right away?”

This grows self-observation before action.

Watch your own impulse moments.

Kids mirror adults.

Choose one moment this week to pause before reacting.

Enjoying the show? Help out by rating this podcast on Apple to help others get access to this information too! apple.co/3ysFijh

Follow Dr. Caroline

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.carolinebuzanko

IG: https://www.instagram.com/dr.carolinebuzanko/

LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/dr-caroline-buzanko

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrCarolineBuzanko/

Website: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/

Resources: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/resources/articles-child-resilience-well-being-psychology/

Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

221. Resilience Goals for Kids: Celebrate Growth, Set Intentions

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 30 Dec 2025 07:01:29 GMT

As we close out the year, this holiday replay of Overpowering Emotions focuses on helping kids reflect on how far they’ve come and set resilience intentions for the year ahead without pressure, perfectionism, or overwhelm.

Dr. Caroline talks about why small victories matter, how to help kids notice their own growth, and how to set one or two realistic intentions that actually stick. You’ll hear how to make these conversations feel collaborative instead of corrective, how to invite kids into the process as leaders of their own growth, and how adults can act as supportive consultants rather than fixers.

This episode is for parents, educators, and professionals who want goal-setting to build kids' confidence, emotional regulation, and follow-through.

Homework ideas

The 10-minute “Year in Review” chat

Use 3 prompts:

“What’s something you’re proud of from this year?”
“What was hard, and what helped you get through it?”
“What’s one skill you’re stronger at now than you were last year?”

Tip: If they shrug, offer choices: school, friends, sports, family, hobbies, health, handling stress.

Pick ONE resilience goal using the “Tiny + Clear” rule

Have your child choose one:

Body goal: “When I’m stressed, I’ll take 10 slow breaths before I talk.”
Mind goal: “When I make a mistake, I’ll practice one re-do instead of quitting.”
Connection goal: “Once a week, I’ll ask for help when I’m stuck.”
Bravery goal: “I’ll do one small uncomfortable thing each week.”

Make it specific: when / where / how often.

Create an “If-Then” coping plan (especially for anxiety/overwhelm)

“If I feel overwhelmed, then I will ____.”
Examples: get water, step outside, text a parent, use a coping card, take a 5-minute break.

Weekly check-in that doesn’t feel like nagging

Once a week, ask:

“What worked?”
“What got in the way?”
“What’s one small tweak for this week?”

Keep it short. Aim for progress, not perfection.

Free Resources

The Emotional Literacy Book (https://korulearninginstitute.kit.com/emotionaliteracy)
Holiday Guide with essential tips to support emotion regulation over the holidays (https://korulearninginstitute.kit.com/2025holidayguide)
Goal setting blog (https://korupsychology.ca/setting-goals/)
Episode 99 for an episode on goal setting for academics
Problem-solving (https://korupsychology.ca/develop-problem-solving-skills/)

Goal Ladder Template

(Big Goal → Small Steps)

My Big Goal

(Something I want to get better at)

Step 1: My First Small Step

What I will try this week:

When I might practice this:

☐ At school ☐ At home ☐ With friends ☐ Other: __________

Step 2: My Next Small Step

What I will try next:

How I’ll know I’m making progress:

Step 3: My Stretch Step

What I’ll try when I’m ready:

What might help if this feels hard:

Celebrating Progress

One thing I’m already proud of:

One way an adult can support me:

Coping Card Template

Front of Card

When I feel:

☐ Angry ☐ Anxious ☐ Overwhelmed ☐ Sad ☐ Frustrated ☐ Disappointed

☐ Other: __________

My body might feel like:

Back of Card

I can try:

☐ Take 3 slow breaths

☐ Take a short break

☐ Get a drink or snack

☐ Ask for help

☐ Use my words

☐ Move my body

☐ Remind myself:

“__________________________________________________”

If this doesn’t help, I can:

An adult who can help me is:

Enjoying the show? Help out by rating this podcast on Apple to help others get access to this information too! apple.co/3ysFijh

Follow Dr. Caroline

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.carolinebuzanko

IG: https://www.instagram.com/dr.carolinebuzanko/

LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/dr-caroline-buzanko

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrCarolineBuzanko/

Website: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/

Resources: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/resources/articles-child-resilience-well-being-psychology/

Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

220. How to Build Emotional Resilience in Kids During Holiday Stress

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 23 Dec 2025 07:01:49 GMT

Holiday break can bring joy… and a whole lot of overwhelm.

In this Holiday Special Replay of Overpowering Emotions, Dr. Caroline shares what holiday dysregulation looks like in real life (including her own family’s “never leave the house on Christmas Day” boundary), why kids melt down when routines shift, and how adults can turn everyday holiday stress into practice for emotion regulation and resilience.

You’ll hear concrete ways to keep just enough structure, reduce sensory overload, handle screen-time battles without power struggles, and teach kids to “catch it early” before emotions take over—using body awareness, code words, coping cards, and simple family rituals that build flexibility and calm.

Homework Ideas

Pick 2 “anchor routines” and protect them all break

Try:

Same wake-up time most days (even if bedtime shifts)
One bedtime ritual piece (hug + story, even if it’s late)
One daily quiet-alone-time block (10–30 minutes)

Create a “Holiday Overwhelm Plan” with your kid (10 minutes)

Write together:

My early warning signs: (snappy, clingy, quiet, stomach aches, tears, silliness that won’t stop)
My resets: (bathroom break, headphones, snack, walk, quiet room, doodle)
My help request words: “I need a break.” / “Can we do puppy?”
Parent response script: “I see it. We can take five.”

Choose a code word for public situations

Do: Pick something neutral (“puppy”) and practice it once at home.

Use it when: you notice irritability, withdrawal, or escalating volume.

Goal: exit early, reset, return.

Practice “drop into the body” once a day

Do (kids + teens):

“Where do you feel it right now?” (chest, throat, belly, head)
Or start silly/easy: “What does your right elbow feel like?”

Why it helps: builds noticing skills before emotions hijack behavior.

Resource: Emotion wheel or feelings chart (print one and keep it visible). Check out the emotional literacy toolkit to help!

Screen boundaries that don’t become a daily war

Try one simple rule:

Tech-free zones (bedrooms, meal table) or
Tech-free time (first hour after waking, last hour before bed) or
Tech-free day blocks (two afternoons a week)

When pushback hits: mirror the feeling.

“Ugh. You really wanted Minecraft today.”

(Stop there. No lecture.)

One “resilience tradition” for the week

Pick ONE:

Gratitude jar (read on New Year’s Eve)
Resilience ornament/tree (write a “hard thing I handled” on paper)
Family story night: “A time I messed up and what I learned.”

Resources Mentioned:

The Emotional Literacy Book (https://korulearninginstitute.kit.com/emotionaliteracy)
FREE Holiday Guide with essential tips to support emotion regulation over the holidays (https://korulearninginstitute.kit.com/2025holidayguide)

Enjoying the show? Help out by rating this podcast on Apple to help others get access to this information too! apple.co/3ysFijh

Follow Dr. Caroline

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.carolinebuzanko

IG: https://www.instagram.com/dr.carolinebuzanko/

LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/dr-caroline-buzanko

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrCarolineBuzanko/

Website: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/

Resources: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/resources/articles-child-resilience-well-being-psychology/

Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

219. Overstimulated, Overwhelmed, and Over It: Emotion Regulation During the Holidays

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 16 Dec 2025 07:01:11 GMT

The holidays are supposed to be joyful—but for many families, they quietly amplify stress, overwhelm, and emotional reactivity.

In this special crossover episode with Parents of the Year podcast, Dr. Caroline and her husband Andrew step away from “perfect holiday” pressure and take a psychologically grounded look at why emotions run hotter during the holidays, for both kids and adults.

We explore how disrupted routines, sensory overload, social comparison, family dynamics, and unrealistic expectations tax the nervous system—and why emotional meltdowns, irritability, withdrawal, or disappointment are not signs of failure, but signals of dysregulation.

This episode bridges emotion regulation science with real-life parenting moments, including:

· Why overstimulation is often behind kids’ holiday meltdowns

· How social media comparison fuels anxiety and emotional exhaustion

· The role of structure, predictability, and proactive planning in regulation

· Why parents’ emotional regulation sets the ceiling for their children’s

· How to identify non-negotiables, let go of the rest, and reduce emotional load

· Practical strategies for creating “magical moments” without emotional burnout

Rather than trying to make emotions disappear, this conversation focuses on helping families anticipate emotional needs, regulate proactively, and respond with intention instead of reactivity.

Want to learn more about boosting resilience during the holidays? Check out these episodes:

Holiday Stress? Here's How to Build Real Resilience (https://youtu.be/jXgq7dn-hR4)

How can we nurture kids' emotional resilience during the holidays? (https://youtu.be/jXgq7dn-hR4)

Homework Ideas

Do a “Holiday Load” Scan (5 minutes)

Goal: Reduce dysregulation by identifying what’s actually taxing the nervous system.

Do: Write down the top 3 things that reliably spike stress for your child/teen (e.g., crowds, late nights, lots of visits, too many transitions) and the top 3 that spike stress for you.

Use it: Pick one lever to change this week (sleep, pacing, fewer events, quieter mornings, etc.).

Resource: A simple “HALT” check (Hungry, Angry/Anxious, Lonely, Tired) + add S for Sensory.

Choose 2 Non-Negotiables + 2 Flexibles

Goal: Lower conflict and decision fatigue; clarify boundaries ahead of time.

Do:

Non-negotiables (examples): “We don’t do three houses in one day,” “We eat before we go,” “We leave by 7:30.”
Flexibles: “Which movie?” “Which dessert?” “When we open gifts (within a window).”
Share it with your child/teen (and any other adults involved) before the big day.

Resource: Brief script:

“Here’s what matters most to me so everyone’s nervous system is okay…”
“Here’s what you can choose so it still feels fun for you…”

Build a Regulation Plan: Before / During / After

Goal: Move from reactive parenting to proactive emotion regulation.

Do: Create a 3-part plan:

Before: sleep, food, hydration, quiet time, predict the tough moments

During: micro-breaks, movement, sensory supports, time limits

After: decompression time, low-demand evening, early bedtime when possible

Resource: “30/30 Rule” for high stimulation days: every ~30–60 minutes of stimulation, aim for a brief downshift (bathroom break, fresh air, water, quiet corner).

Replacement Behaviours for Screen/Scroll Traps

Goal: Reduce comparison + mindless scrolling (a major holiday stress amplifier).

Do: Choose a replacement behaviour you’ll do instead of scrolling when stressed:

5-minute walk
short stretch
tea + 3 slow breaths
text one friend directly (real connection)

Resource: Set a phone boundary: “No social media before noon” or “10 minutes max, with a timer.”

Create a “Code Word” + Exit Plan (Kids and Teens)

Goal: Give kids a dignified way to signal overwhelm without melting down.

Do: Pick a code word (e.g., “yellow light,” “reset,” “quiet break”).

Define what happens when they use it:

you step out together
they go to a quiet spot
headphones/hoodie break
short car break if needed

Resource: Collaborative language:

“Your job is to notice overwhelm early. My job is to help you reset.”

Practice “Containment” When Volume or Energy Rises

Goal: Prevent spirals by regulating yourself first.

Do: When you notice irritation rising:

Pause (one breath)
Name internally: “My nervous system is activated.”
Do one downshift: step away, splash cold water, 10 slow exhales, or a short walk.

Resource: A simple mantra: “I can be the calm, even when it’s loud.”

Set Expectations Explicitly

Goal: Reduce disappointment driven by vague, magical expectations.

Do: Ask:

“What are you most excited about—specifically?”
“What would make the day feel like a win?”
Then set realistic anchors:
one meaningful moment
one active thing
one connection point

Resource: “Lower the bar, deepen the moment.” (Connection > performance.)

Plan for Sensory Needs

Goal: Prevent overload (lights, noise, crowds, scratchy clothes, social demands).

Do: Pack a “regulation kit”:

headphones/earbuds
gum/mints
fidget
hoodie/comfort item
sunglasses/hat
snack + water

Resource: Let kids opt into brief “parallel play” (being near others without forced interaction).

Use “Let It Go vs. Address It” Sorting

Goal: Avoid adults getting pulled into old roles and conflicts.

Do: Before gatherings, decide:

2 things you’ll let go (minor irritations)
1 thing you’ll address if needed (a true boundary)
Use a short phrase to hold it:
“Not today.”
“That’s not up for discussion.”
“We’re keeping it simple this year.”

Resource: “Boundaries are kind when they’re clear.”

End-of-Day Debrief: 3–2–1 Reset

Goal: Teach emotional learning without shame; build resilience over time.

Do (at bedtime or next morning):

3 things that went okay
2 moments that were hard
1 tweak for next time

Resource: Keep it brief and neutral. The point is learning, not blame.

Bonus

The holidays represent a perfect storm for dysregulation:

· Increased sensory input (noise, crowds, events)

· Disrupted routines (sleep, meals, schedules)

· Heightened expectations (“This should be special”)

· Social comparison (especially via social media)

· Relational triggers (family dynamics, unresolved patterns)

1. Emotions Escalate When Predictability Drops

When structure disappears, the nervous system has to work harder. For children especially, this can lead to:

· irritability

· emotional outbursts

· shutdown or withdrawal

The solution isn’t stricter control—it’s intentional scaffolding:

· spacing events

· building in rest

· protecting sleep and nutrition

· pacing stimulation

2. Overstimulation Looks Like “Bad Behaviour”

Holiday meltdowns are often mislabeled as entitlement or attitude. In reality, they are frequently signs of:

· sensory overload

· emotional saturation

· unmet regulation needs

This episode reframes behaviour as communication—consistent with an emotion-coaching lens.

3. Parents’ Regulation Is the Regulating Force

Children borrow regulation from adults.

When parents:

· anticipate their own limits,

· step away before exploding,

· name and honor boundaries,

they are modeling exactly the skills we want children to internalize.

This is co-regulation in action.

4. Expectations Drive Emotional Pain

Disappointment often comes not from what happens, but from the gap between:

· what we imagined, and

· what actually unfolded.

This episode emphasizes helping both adults and children:

· name expectations,

· reality-check them,

· and flexibly adjust rather than collapse into frustration.

5. Emotion Regulation Is Proactive, Not Reactive

Regulation works best before emotions peak so it’s important to use proactive strategies such as:

· identifying non-negotiables in advance

· planning recovery time

· setting clear internal boundaries

· collaborating with children ahead of time

Suggested Listener Reflection Questions

· What parts of the holidays are most dysregulating for me?

· Which expectations am I carrying that may not be realistic?

· Where could less stimulation create more connection?

· What would it look like to model emotional boundaries for my child?

· How can I help my family “ride the wave” rather than fight it?

Enjoying the show? Help out by rating this podcast on Apple to help others get access to this information too! apple.co/3ysFijh

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YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.carolinebuzanko

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Website: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/

Resources: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/resources/articles-child-resilience-well-being-psychology/

Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

218. Can play help kids release trauma and anxiety?

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 09 Dec 2025 08:02:42 GMT

Big feelings don’t always need more rules and structure. Sometimes they need play, movement, and a bit of silliness.

In this episode of Overpowering Emotions, Dr. Caroline is joined by Sifu Boggy (Paul Brighton), a Taoist teacher who blends Qigong, Tai Chi, humour, and “sacred child” energy to support healing.

They talk about why kids are the real teachers, how fidgeting and wild play help release stress from the body, and why shutting down movement can actually lock in tension, anxiety, and trauma. You’ll hear how Qigong supported Sifu through bullying, depression, and suicidality as a teen, and how simple standing exercises can help kids and adults regulate today.

This conversation is especially helpful for:

Educators trying to make room for movement, play, and regulation in classrooms
Parents & caregivers of anxious, “fidgety,” intense, or neurodivergent kids
Mental health professionals looking for body-based and playful tools that fit well with emotion regulation work

They get into:

The “sacred child” and why we’re not meant to grow out of play
How fidgeting, noise, and big movement can be healthy discharge, not misbehaviour
Qigong as “moving self-massage” that helps clear stored emotional tension
How adults’ stress responses teach kids how to handle their own
Simple, practical ways to bring more play and movement into homes, sessions, and schools

If you work with kids who are anxious, shut down, “too much,” or always on the move, this episode will give you a warm, playful way to see them—and yourself—differently.

Homework Ideas

🧩 Notice Where You Shut Down Play

For one week, track moments when you say or think:

“Stop fidgeting.”
“Calm down.”
“Be serious.”

Ask yourself afterward:

What feeling in me sparked that reaction?
Was the movement actually harmful—or just loud and inconvenient?

Use that awareness to adjust one response per day: replace “stop that” with, “Let’s move that energy in a safer way,” and offer a playful alternative (e.g., jumping on a mat, shaking it out, quick wrestle on the floor, running in the yard).

🧩 Schedule a Daily “Wild Play Window”

Choose a 10–20 minute slot each day where the goal is: move, be loud, be silly.

Ideas:

Backyard “animal run” (kids choose an animal and move like it)
Pillow wrestling or couch parkour
Loud singing, drumming on cushions, “primal yell” into a pillow

Frame it as: “This is when we help our bodies get stress out.”

🧩 Try the “Twist the Waist” Qigong Practice

Use Sifu’s simple exercise with kids or for yourself:

Stand with feet hip-width apart.
Gently twist your waist side to side, letting your arms flop and wrap around your body.
Keep breathing naturally—soft in through the nose, out through the mouth.
Do this for 1–3 minutes.

Afterward, ask kids:

“What does your body feel like now compared to before?”

This can be a classroom brain break, a transition ritual at home, or part of therapy sessions.

🧩 Model Your Own “Sacred Child”

Choose one playful thing you used to love as a kid and do it this week:

Drawing or doodling
Climbing, swinging, skipping
Building with Lego
Dancing around the kitchen

Let kids see you laugh, be silly, and move. You’re showing them that growing up doesn’t mean shutting down joy.

🧩 Reflect on Movement and Mood

With older kids or for your own journaling, use prompts like:

“When I’m stressed and I move my body, what changes?”
“When I’m told to sit still, what happens inside me?”
“What kinds of movement make me feel calmer, stronger, or lighter?”

This helps link movement → emotion → regulation in a concrete way.

Be sure to grab your free Emotional Literacy workbook! https://korulearninginstitute.kit.com/emotionaliteracy

About Sifu

Sifu Boggie (a.k.a Paul Brighton) is a Daoist guide, mentor, and self-healing practitioner with over 40 years of experience in Daoism and Qigong. Trained by renowned Daoist masters, he specializes in Qi Gong, Tai Chi, Shun Dao philosophy, and other healing modalities. Sifu Boggie’s teachings blend Daoist philosophy with practical energy work and bodywork techniques, offering transformative pathways for physical, emotional, and energetic healing.

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sifuboggie

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/2sifuboggie

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sifu.boggie/#

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@SifuBoggie

Website - https://shundao.uscreen.io/

Enjoying the show? Help out by rating this podcast on Apple to help others get access to this information too! apple.co/3ysFijh

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Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

217. How do kids learn to regulate emotions? Turning big feelings into smart choices.

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 02 Dec 2025 19:01:39 GMT

Big feelings are not the problem. The real issue is when kids don’t know what those feelings are for or what to do with them.

In this episode of Overpowering Emotions, Dr. Caroline walks through how to help children and teens move from “I feel awful” to “Here’s what I need and here’s what I’m going to do.”

You’ll hear how to:

Teach kids to read their body signals and name emotions with more precision
Link emotions to underlying needs, values, and goals
Use primary and secondary appraisal (Is this dangerous? Can I handle it?) to guide coping
Spot when strategies are actually avoidance in disguise
Build “if–then” plans so kids know exactly what to do when big feelings hit
Practice emotion-focused vs. problem-focused coping without rescuing or over-accommodating

Perfect for educators, parents, and mental health professionals who want practical ways to match responses to kids’ emotions and needs, build resilience, and stop reinforcing avoidance.

Homework Ideas

Daily Emotion–Need Check-In

Goal: Link feelings → needs → possible actions.

How: Once a day (morning meeting, bedtime, or session check-in), ask:

o “What are you feeling?”

o “Where do you feel it in your body?”

o “What might this feeling be telling you that you need or want?”

o “What’s one small thing that might help?”

Use an emotion wheel or your Emotional Literacy Workbook as a word bank.

Helpful resource: Get the free Emotional Literacy Workbook PDF (https://korulearninginstitute.kit.com/emotionaliteracy)

Primary vs. Secondary Appraisal Practice

Goal: Help kids sort “this feels huge” from “this is truly dangerous” and “can I handle it?”

How: With a recent stressor (test, friend issue, gym class):

Ask Primary appraisal questions:

o “What makes this feel scary, hard, or unfair?”

o “Is something actually unsafe, or does it mostly feel big?”

Ask Secondary appraisal questions:

o “Have you been in something like this before?”

o “What helped even a tiny bit?”

o “Who or what could support you this time?”

Write answers together on a simple worksheet so they can see the pattern.

Build an If–Then Coping Plan

Goal: Turn vague coping into concrete, rehearsed responses.

How: Pick one recurring trigger and script it: “If I start to panic before a math quiz, then I will:

1. Put both feet on the floor

2. Notice where the feeling is in my body

3. Answer the easiest question first.”

Practice this when calm, then in low-stakes situations, then in the real one.

Body Mapping & Riding the Wave

Goal: Increase interoceptive awareness and distress tolerance.

How: Print a body outline. Ask the child to draw where they feel worry / anger / shame. Add words: “tight,” “hot,” “heavy,” “buzzy,” “pressure,” etc.

During a mild spike, coach:

o “Notice: stronger on the left or right?”

o “Let’s watch what happens for 60–90 seconds.”

Track: Did it grow, stay the same, or drop?

This normalizes “waves” and shows the nervous system can rise and fall without escape.

Role-Play Triggers Safely

Goal: Let kids rehearse new responses without public shame.

How: Ask: “What does your sibling/classmate do that really sets you off?”

Recreate a version with you (e.g., you hum “Baby Shark” while they do homework).

Guide them to:

o Notice body cues

o Label the feeling

o Use their plan: drop into the body, self-coaching, opposite action, etc.

Repeat until they can access the new response faster.

“Even If…” Values Statements

Goal: Tie coping to what matters most, not just symptom reduction.

How: Help kids finish:

· “Even if I feel anxious, I’m still going to ____ because ____ matters to me.”

· “Even if I feel left out, I’m still going to ____ because ____ is important to me.”

Post their top 2–3 on a card, locker, or notebook.

Revisit after exposures: “Did acting on your value help, even with the feeling there?”

Enjoying the show? Help out by rating this podcast on Apple to help others get access to this information too! apple.co/3ysFijh

Follow Dr. Caroline

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.carolinebuzanko

IG: https://www.instagram.com/dr.carolinebuzanko/

LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/dr-caroline-buzanko

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Website: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/

Resources: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/resources/articles-child-resilience-well-being-psychology/

Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

216. Are Kids Really “Mad”… or Is Their Brain Just Guessing?

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 25 Nov 2025 08:01:00 GMT

Kids say “I feel bad” all the time. But what does that actually mean for their brain and their behaviour?

In this episode of Overpowering Emotions, Dr. Caroline breaks down how the brain builds emotions and why teaching kids to move from “I feel bad” to “I feel overwhelmed / uncertain / left out” is a game-changer for emotional regulation.

Drawing on brain science and day-to-day stories from classrooms and families, she explains:

· How the brain compresses huge amounts of sensory data into simple emotional categories

· Why kids (and adults) often feel “angry” or “anxious” without knowing why

· What “emotion granularity” is and how it gives kids more control over their reactions

· The link between the body budget (sleep, hydration, exhaustion) and emotional meltdowns

· Practical ways to help children notice body sensations and match them with accurate emotion words

You’ll hear simple tools you can use right away to build emotional literacy in homes, classrooms, and therapy sessions.

Perfect for anyone who want science-based, relatable ways to help kids and teens understand what they’re feeling and what to do about it.

Free Resource (to help with homework below!): Emotional Literacy Workbook (https://korulearninginstitute.kit.com/emotionaliteracy)

Homework Ideas

Daily Emotion Check-Ins (Kids & Teens)

Build short, regular emotion check-ins into the day—morning, midday, and evening at home; or every class / every hour at school.
Ask: “How are you feeling right now?” then guide kids to move beyond “good/bad/mad” to a more specific word.
“Where do you feel it in your body?”

Build Emotion Vocabulary & Granularity

Use the feelings wheel or emotion charts during the day when kids are calm, not only when they’re upset.
Play quick “name the feeling” games:
“Pick one word from the wheel that matches how you felt at recess.”
“Choose a word for how you feel before this test.”

Body Mapping & Interoception Practice

Draw a simple outline of a body. Ask:
“Where do you feel this emotion?”
“What does it feel like there? Tight, heavy, buzzy, hot, cold?”
Help kids link body cues to emotions and needs:
“Heavy chest = overwhelmed?”
“Jittery legs = excited or nervous?”

Dr. Caroline’s personal example from the episode:

o A “crushing feeling” in her chest often signals overwhelm and too much on her plate.

o A “breaking” feeling in her chest usually means exhaustion after very little sleep.

o She then uses those cues to decide: “Do I need to reprioritize my day, or do I need to rest?”

Body Budget Check

Before jumping to “big emotion” explanations, check:

Sleep: “How much did you sleep last night?”
Hydration: “Have you had water today?”
Food: “When was the last time you ate?”
Load: “Is your day too full?”

If a child says “I feel scared,” also scan for: Are they dehydrated? Exhausted? Hungry?

Respond differently if the body budget is off (water, snack, rest, schedule changes) before jumping into problem-solving the situation.

Adult Self-Practice: Modelling Emotion Granularity

Replace “I’m just so stressed” with more precise language:

“I feel overwhelmed because I have too much on my plate.”
“I feel exhausted from not sleeping enough.”

Say it out loud in front of kids so they see the full process: sensation → emotion word → action plan.

Turn Feelings into Action Plans

Once kids have named the emotion more clearly, ask about what they need. If they're unsure, help them brainstorm ideas:

“If you feel left out, what might help? Inviting someone to play, talking to a teacher, or taking a break?”
“If you feel overwhelmed, what do you need? Should we break this task into smaller steps?”

Goal:

o Move from broad “bad” to specific emotion + specific next step.

o Repeat often enough that the brain learns this sequence as a habit.

Enjoying the show? Help out by rating this podcast on Apple to help others get access to this information too! apple.co/3ysFijh

Follow Dr. Caroline

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.carolinebuzanko

IG: https://www.instagram.com/dr.carolinebuzanko/

LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/dr-caroline-buzanko

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrCarolineBuzanko/

Website: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/

Resources: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/resources/articles-child-resilience-well-being-psychology/

Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

215. Are we accidentally teaching kids to stay afraid?

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 18 Nov 2025 08:01:00 GMT

This week, Dr. Caroline unpacks one of the most misunderstood parts of emotion regulation: Why avoidance keeps anxiety alive and how real-world experience rewires the emotional brain.

She explains how children’s brains constantly make predictions about safety, danger, and comfort and how avoidance traps them in cycles of fear. Using clear metaphors like the feeling tunnel and the prediction error, Dr. Caroline shows how growth only happens when kids face uncomfortable emotions long enough for their brains to learn something new.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone who want to help kids build resilience, emotional flexibility, and distress tolerance through practice, not protection.

🎧 Experience teaches the brain it can handle more than it fears.

Homework Ideas

Map the Avoidance Loop

Have kids write down situations they avoid (tests, sleepovers, speaking in class). Note what relief they feel after avoiding and how that pattern repeats. Awareness is step one.

Prediction Journal

Before a challenging event, ask: “What do you think will happen?”

Afterward: “What actually happened?”

Compare their predictions with outcomes to build realistic expectations.

Build Micro-Exposure Moments

Start small — ordering food, saying hi to a neighbour, or raising a hand in class. Celebrate effort, not comfort.

Self-Check for Adults

Notice when you rescue too quickly. Ask yourself: “Am I helping them build resilience or just helping myself feel less anxious?”

Enjoying the show? Help out by rating this podcast on Apple to help others get access to this information too! apple.co/3ysFijh

Follow Dr. Caroline

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.carolinebuzanko

IG: https://www.instagram.com/dr.carolinebuzanko/

LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/dr-caroline-buzanko

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrCarolineBuzanko/

Website: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/

Resources: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/resources/articles-child-resilience-well-being-psychology/

Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

214. How can we help kids reflect instead of explode?

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 11 Nov 2025 08:01:00 GMT

How do kids learn to think about their emotions instead of being swept away by them? In this episode, Dr. Caroline breaks down strategic emotion management, helping children and teens build emotional metacognition, the ability to reflect on and make sense of what they feel.

You’ll learn how to guide kids to pause, question, and evaluate their emotions: What is this feeling trying to tell me? Is it helping or hurting me right now?

Dr. Caroline shares practical strategies for teaching emotional literacy, building resilience, and creating space for reflection instead of reaction. She also offers real-life examples, from angry teens to overwhelmed kids, showing how adults can coach emotional awareness at any age. This episode includes simple tools, reflective questions, and step-by-step ways to strengthen emotional awareness and decision-making skills.

Key topics: emotional literacy, metacognition, cognitive reappraisal, resilience, co-regulation, reflective parenting, and emotional intelligence in youth.

Homework Ideas

Practice Helpful Responses

The next time you or a child feel a strong emotion, pause and ask:
What is this emotion trying to tell me?
Is this emotion helpful right now?
What can I do that aligns with my goals and values?
Model this reflective thinking out loud with the child.
Focus on curiosity over correction — “Huh, I wonder what my anger’s protecting right now.”
Co-Regulation Practice!
When kids are upset, start with validation only.
Say “It sounds like you had a tough day.” Then pause.
Once they’re calm, guide reflection with open-ended questions.

Emotion Journal or Chart

Write or draw feelings, what happened, what they thought, and what the emotion might be saying.

For younger kids: use colours or pictures.

For teens: include reflection prompts like “Was my reaction helpful?”

Emotion Decoder

Match emotions to their possible messages (e.g., anger → unfairness; sadness → loss or care).

Available in Dr. Caroline’s Emotional Literacy Book

Scaling Exercise

Rate emotions from 1–10 and discuss how the intensity changes when the situation is reappraised to build perspective and reduce emotional overwhelm.

Resources Mentioned:

The Emotional Literacy Book (https://korulearninginstitute.kit.com/emotionaliteracy)
Coddling of the American Mind by Jonathan Haidt (for adults exploring emotional reasoning)

Enjoying the show? Help out by rating this podcast on Apple to help others get access to this information too! apple.co/3ysFijh

Follow Dr. Caroline

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.carolinebuzanko

IG: https://www.instagram.com/dr.carolinebuzanko/

LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/dr-caroline-buzanko

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrCarolineBuzanko/

Website: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/

Resources: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/resources/articles-child-resilience-well-being-psychology/

Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

213. What does mental wellness really look like for kids and their parents?

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 28 Oct 2025 06:01:00 GMT

What does mental wellness really mean, and how do we teach it to kids and teens when the adults around them are stretched thin?

In this episode, Dr. Caroline sits down with licensed clinical social worker MJ Murray Vachon, who brings nearly 40 years of experience working with adolescents, families, and midlife adults.

MJ shares the two mental wellness definitions that guide her work, how Dr. Dan Siegel’s “river of calm” helps us understand chaos and rigidity, and why adults’ emotions are contagious for kids.

You’ll hear stories from classrooms, families, and even Notre Dame athletes that highlight the everyday ways mental health is shaped by modeling, connection, and self-regulation.

Listeners will walk away with practical tools like the FACES model, NESTS for self-care, and playful strategies that keep mental wellness accessible for kids and adults alike. This conversation is a reminder that children can’t be healthier than the adults raising or teaching them—and small steps in our own wellness ripple out to every child we support.

Homework Ideas

Check your own state first

Each day, pause and ask: Am I calm, chaotic, or rigid?
Use a grounding practice (deep breaths, stretch, short walk) before engaging with kids.

Create a “Glimmer List”

Write 5 small, free things that bring you joy (music, a walk, a funny show).
Do one daily and encourage your child to make their own list.

Practice NESTS Self-Care

Nutrition: regular balanced meals.
Exercise: daily movement.
Sleep: aim for consistent bedtimes.
Technology: set limits that support rest and focus.
Stress skills: model a simple coping strategy (breathwork, journaling, quiet time).

Model Validation + Boundaries

Acknowledge feelings: “I hear you. This is hard.”
Don’t over-explain—hold space, then guide with calm presence.

About MJ

With more than 50,000 hours of clinical sessions, I’ve spent nearly four decades helping people navigate anxiety, stress, and life transitions with practical, science-backed skills. I’m the creator of Inner Challenge, a mental wellness program launched in 1993 and taught for 21 years in junior highs and even with Notre Dame Football, equipping teens and athletes with coping strategies to boost resilience. As host of Creating Midlife Calm, chosen by Maria Shriver as her “Listen of the Week,” I weave stories and evidence-based tools into actionable practices listeners can use right away. My work always comes back to this: real-life coping skills that are simple, doable, and effective.

I started the podcast Creating Midlife Calm because I know the parents of teens are the key to helping them develop the mental wellness that will carry them through adolescence and into adulthood.

Get in touch

Instagram: @vachonmjmurray

Facebook: MJ Murray Vachon LCSW

Website: mjmurrayvachon.com

Enjoying the show? Help out by rating this podcast on Apple to help others get access to this information too! apple.co/3ysFijh

Follow Dr. Caroline

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.carolinebuzanko

IG: https://www.instagram.com/dr.carolinebuzanko/

LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/dr-caroline-buzanko

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrCarolineBuzanko/

Website: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/

Resources: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/resources/articles-child-resilience-well-being-psychology/

Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

212. What if kids could outsmart their anxious thoughts?

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 21 Oct 2025 06:01:00 GMT

Kids don’t just feel emotions—they also create stories about what those emotions mean. In this episode of Overpowering Emotions, Dr. Caroline focuses on cognitive appraisal and emotional metacognition.

You’ll learn how children interpret events, how automatic “henchmen thoughts” fuel anxiety and meltdowns, and why teaching kids to appraise situations differently can build resilience. From detective games to thought logs to chain breakers, this episode is packed with playful, practical tools to help kids spot unhelpful thinking traps, reframe them, and act in ways that reflect their values.

This conversation will help you guide them beyond “just breathe” into truly flexible, values-based thinking.

Homework Ideas

Emotion Detective Game: Use clues (body signs, thoughts, triggers) to uncover what an emotion is trying to say. Ask, “Is this thought a clue or a trick?”
Thought–Feeling–Action Chart: 4 columns — What happened? / What did I think? / What did I feel/do? / What else could I think or do?
Comic Strip Appraisals: Kids draw a situation, then fill in thought bubbles and alternative thoughts. This makes invisible thinking visible.
Matching Cards: Mix “Event,” “Thought,” and “Emotion” cards. Kids match different combos to see how thoughts change feelings.
Chain Breakers: Practice interrupting automatic thought → behavior loops with alternative responses (“When I feel ____, I will try ____”).
Values Journal: Teens list what matters to them, then reflect: “Did my response move me toward or away from my values?”

Enjoying the show? Help out by rating this podcast on Apple to help others get access to this information too! apple.co/3ysFijh

Follow Dr. Caroline

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.carolinebuzanko

IG: https://www.instagram.com/dr.carolinebuzanko/

LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/dr-caroline-buzanko

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrCarolineBuzanko/

Website: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/

Resources: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/resources/articles-child-resilience-well-being-psychology/

Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

211. Are we rushing kids out of emotions they actually need?

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 14 Oct 2025 06:01:00 GMT

Kids don’t always slam doors or shout when emotions overwhelm them. Sometimes the signs are quieter—flat energy, withdrawal, or a heavy sadness that feels impossible to shift.

In this episode of Overpowering Emotions, Dr. Caroline explores the “low-energy” emotions that often get misunderstood: loneliness, sadness, disappointment, boredom, confusion, embarrassment, regret, guilt, and shame.

You’ll learn how each of these emotions sends a signal about a child’s deeper needs, why rushing to “cheer them up” backfires, and practical ways to respond with presence and connection. These quieter feelings carry just as much meaning as anger or anxiety. The goal isn’t to fix them—it’s to help kids feel safe enough to sit with them, learn from them, and eventually find their way through.

Homework Ideas:

Create connection rituals: a bedtime check-in, a morning high-five, or weekly “just us” time.
Encourage journaling or drawing when kids feel any emotion. This gives emotions a safe outlet.
Use emotion coaching scripts:
“It makes sense you feel disappointed—this mattered to you.”
“Everyone makes mistakes. What can we learn from this one?”
“Boredom is your brain asking for something meaningful—what could you explore?”
Provide open-ended opportunities (art supplies, building materials, role play) to turn boredom into curiosity.
Model healthy shame repair: Share your own small mistakes, show how you recover, and affirm that worth is never on the line.

🛠️ Be sure to grab the emotional literacy workbook https://korulearninginstitute.kit.com/emotionaliteracy

Enjoying the show? Help out by rating this podcast on Apple to help others get access to this information too! apple.co/3ysFijh

Follow Dr. Caroline

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.carolinebuzanko

IG: https://www.instagram.com/dr.carolinebuzanko/

LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/dr-caroline-buzanko

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrCarolineBuzanko/

Website: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/

Resources: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/resources/articles-child-resilience-well-being-psychology/

Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

210. How do we help kids handle big emotions with confidence?

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 07 Oct 2025 06:01:00 GMT

In this episode of Overpowering Emotions, Dr. Caroline discusses the high-energy, often “unpleasant” emotions that kids struggle with — the stormy ones like anxiety, anger, frustration, and overwhelm.

These emotions aren’t problems to fix or behaviours to shut down. They’re signals, calling for safety, connection, fairness, or skill support.

Listen in to learn how to:

Recognize behaviours as the tip of the iceberg — with deeper emotions underneath
Support kids in pausing before reacting, so they can ride the emotional wave without drowning in it
Teach grounding, movement, and self-coaching tools that keep the self-regulating prefrontal cortex online
Reframe frustration, envy, and jealousy into opportunities for growth and resilience
Understand resentment as a warning of unspoken boundaries and unmet needs

Instead of teaching kids to suppress or escape emotions, this episode shows how to help them tolerate, explore, and grow through them — building self-awareness, confidence, and lasting emotional resilience.

“When we rush to fix a child’s emotion, we send the message that the feeling itself is unsafe. But when we sit with them — quietly, patiently, without solving — we teach that emotions are just part of being human. The goal isn’t to feel better right away. It’s to get better at feeling.”

🛠️ Be sure to grab the emotional literacy workbook https://korulearninginstitute.kit.com/emotionaliteracy

Homework Ideas

Pause Practice: Teach kids to notice a big feeling without reacting. Use phrases like: “Let’s let this feeling be here for a bit.”
Frustration Flip: When kids feel stuck, guide them to ask: “What’s another way to try this?” Normalize frustration as a sign their brain is learning.
Assertive Anger Scripts: Practice “I feel… when… I need…” statements to channel anger into boundary-setting instead of explosions.
Overwhelm Sort: With schoolwork or chores, use a “must-do / can-wait / let-go” list to reduce overload.
Jealousy Rituals: Create consistent 1:1 connection rituals to strengthen security and belonging.
Resentment Reset: Teach kids (and model yourself) how to say no, set boundaries, and release built-up frustration with journaling or conversations.

Enjoying the show? Help out by rating this podcast on Apple to help others get access to this information too! apple.co/3ysFijh

Follow Dr. Caroline

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.carolinebuzanko

IG: https://www.instagram.com/dr.carolinebuzanko/

LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/dr-caroline-buzanko

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrCarolineBuzanko/

Website: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/

Resources: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/resources/articles-child-resilience-well-being-psychology/

Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

209. How can excitement help kids learn—and when does it tip into chaos?

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 30 Sep 2025 06:01:00 GMT

In this episode of Overpowering Emotions, Dr. Caroline explores the often-overlooked role of pleasant emotions in self-regulation. From the high-energy buzz of excitement and joy to the quiet calm of contentment and gratitude, she unpacks what these feelings signal, the needs behind them, and how adults can guide children to channel them in healthy ways.

Learn how excitement fuels motivation but can tip into dysregulation without support, why pride is a powerful pro-social emotion, and how gratitude and love deepen connection and resilience. Caroline shares practical strategies that help kids strengthen their emotional awareness and regulation skills.

Learn actionable tools to nurture children’s motivation, curiosity, and sense of belonging while reinforcing the “rest stops” of calm and contentment that every child needs.

Homework Ideas

Help kids learn to:

Channel excitement:

Use countdown calendars, planning rituals, or physical play to help kids release energy safely.
Redirect silliness into storytelling, drawing, or creative outlets.

Savour Joy:

Pause in the moment and ask: What feels good right now?
Create joy rituals: end-of-day reflections, photo sharing, or a family “joy jar.”

Reinforce Pride:

Offer descriptive praise focused on effort, not outcomes.
Help kids create a “brag book” or journal for proud moments.

Cultivate Curiosity:

Model open-ended questions (“I wonder…”).
Provide exploration opportunities—STEM kits, nature walks, disassembling old gadgets.

Anchor Calm & Contentment:

Build quiet, screen-free downtime into daily routines.
Use grounding practices (breathing, mindfulness, cozy snuggles, weighted blankets).

Encourage Gratitude & Love:

End the day with “3 things I’m grateful for.”
Practice small acts of kindness—thank-you notes, hugs, or helping tasks.

🛠️ Be sure to grab the emotional literacy workbook https://korulearninginstitute.kit.com/emotionaliteracy

Enjoying the show? Help out by rating this podcast on Apple to help others get access to this information too! apple.co/3ysFijh

Follow Dr. Caroline

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.carolinebuzanko

IG: https://www.instagram.com/dr.carolinebuzanko/

LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/dr-caroline-buzanko

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrCarolineBuzanko/

Website: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/

Resources: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/resources/articles-child-resilience-well-being-psychology/

Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

208. How can we help kids understand their own emotional map?

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 23 Sep 2025 06:01:00 GMT

Decoding Emotions: Helping Kids Understand What They Feel—and Why

Emotions aren't problems. They're messages. And when we teach kids how to read them, we give them a powerful tool for self-regulation, resilience, and connection.

In this episode, Dr. Caroline breaks down the difference between emotions and feelings, explore how the body and brain work together during intense emotional moments, and show you how to use tools like emotion mapping, quadrant models, and weather metaphors to build emotional awareness in kids and teens.

You’ll learn:

Why emotions are adaptive survival tools, not just meltdowns or moods
How to help kids identify the root needs underneath big behaviours
A breakdown of how to map emotional experiences with kids
Why a child’s “defiance” may actually be a nervous system response

Plus, she introduces the four emotional quadrants (based on arousal and valence) and how to use this approach to tailor regulation strategies to what kids actually need—whether they’re storming, stuck, or shutting down.

Be sure to get the emotional literacy workbook to get started!

https://korulearninginstitute.kit.com/emotionaliteracy

Homework Ideas:

1. Emotion Mapping

Have the child or teen walk through a recent emotional situation using the 6-part mapping model:

Situation (e.g., “Struggling to finish a homework assignment”)
Thoughts (e.g., “I’m so stupid,” “This is too hard”)
Feelings (e.g., Frustrated, Anxious, Overwhelmed)
Body Sensations (e.g., Tight chest, Shaky hands)
Impulses (e.g., Slam the book, Avoid the task)
Behaviours (e.g., Procrastinated, Gave up)

Optional: Have them draw it out as a connected mind map to visualize the emotion cycle. Use arrows to show how one piece influenced another.

2. Use Quadrant Mapping

Introduce the Emotion Quadrants based on:

High vs. Low Energy (Arousal)
Pleasant vs. Unpleasant (Valence)

Ask:

“Where do you think you are in this chart right now?”

Then match strategies to what they need:

🌪 High energy, unpleasant = Movement or somatic tools
🌧 Low energy, unpleasant = Connection or activation strategies

3. Weather Mapping Feelings

Ask:

“If your emotions were weather right now, what would they be?”

Then map feelings onto different weather types:

☀️ Sun = Joy, Calm
🌧 Rain = Sadness, Grief
🌪 Storm = Anger, Fear
💨 Wind = Curiosity, Nervousness
🌫 Fog = Confusion, Overwhelm

Helps externalize emotions and destigmatize them as natural, necessary, and manageable.

4. Emotional Awareness Reflection Prompts

Write or talk about:

“What did you feel in your body?”
“What thoughts were going through your mind?”
“What did you want to do—and what did you actually do?”
“What emotion do you think was underneath it all?”
“What did you need in that moment?”

Helps increase emotional granularity, which improves regulation.

Enjoying the show? Help out by rating this podcast on Apple to help others get access to this information too! apple.co/3ysFijh

Follow Dr. Caroline

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.carolinebuzanko

IG: https://www.instagram.com/dr.carolinebuzanko/

LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/dr-caroline-buzanko

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrCarolineBuzanko/

Website: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/

Resources: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/resources/articles-child-resilience-well-being-psychology/

Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

207. What is silent trauma and why does it stay hidden?

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 16 Sep 2025 07:01:00 GMT

In this powerful conversation, Dr. Caroline speaks with Dr. Shahrzad Jalali—clinical psychologist and trauma specialist—to unpack the idea of silent trauma—those unseen wounds from early childhood or minimized adult experiences that often go unacknowledged, but leave lasting emotional imprints.

Together, they explore:

Why trauma doesn’t need a dramatic event to be real
How silent trauma shapes behavior, relationships, and emotional patterns
Why labeling and processing emotions is key to healing
How kids and adults can learn to recognize and manage their inner world through body awareness and grounding strategies
Practical steps for growing resilience, even when the past still lingers

This episode is essential listening for anyone working with kids, navigating their own healing, or simply wanting to understand what sits beneath the surface.

About Dr. Shahrzad Jalali

Dr. Shahrzad Jalali is a licensed clinical psychologist with a deep passion for trauma resolution, emotional resilience, and relational healing. With over a decade of experience, she specializes in helping individuals and families navigate the complexities of silent trauma—emotional wounds that often go unspoken but shape our behaviors, relationships, and well-being. Her work integrates psychoanalysis, somatic healing, and neuroscience to provide a holistic approach to mental health. She is currently working on her upcoming book, set to launch in 2025, which delves deeper into trauma healing and personal transformation.

Website: https://www.drjalaliandassociates.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shahrzad-jalali-psyd-2b547320/

IG: https://www.instagram.com/alignremedy/

FB: https://www.facebook.com/people/Align-Remedy/61567336701015/

Enjoying the show? Help out by rating this podcast on Apple to help others get access to this information too! apple.co/3ysFijh

Follow Dr. Caroline

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.carolinebuzanko

IG: https://www.instagram.com/dr.carolinebuzanko/

LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/dr-caroline-buzanko

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrCarolineBuzanko/

Website: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/

Resources: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/resources/articles-child-resilience-well-being-psychology/

Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

206. Are kids being misdiagnosed when their bodies are just tired?

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 09 Sep 2025 06:01:00 GMT

Emotions don’t just “happen”—they’re built on signals from the body. In this episode of Overpowering Emotions, we explore how affect—the body’s internal state—shapes what kids (and adults) feel, label, and act on. From blood sugar crashes that masquerade as anger, to dehydration that looks like anxiety, you’ll learn how body signals are often misread as emotional problems.

Discover practical strategies to help children and teens decode their body’s “dashboard lights,” build emotional literacy, and prevent misdiagnosis of mood or behavior challenges. Whether you’re a parent, educator, or mental health professional, this episode will help you shift the way you support kids who seem dysregulated for “no reason.”

Check out this video for kids to learn about their brain/body budget: https://youtu.be/yCxstApZsP0

Homework Ideas

✅ Daily Body Budget Check-ins

Ask kids: “What’s your body telling you right now?”
Use body scan visuals (head, chest, stomach, muscles) to track signals.

✅ Battery Analogy

Print or draw a battery chart (100% → low power mode).
Have kids check their “charge level” before school, after school, and bedtime.

✅ Hydration + Snack Routine

Create a snack station with healthy, quick options.
Encourage kids to drink water at transitions (before school, after recess, after homework).

✅ Sleep Reset

Use a “sleep log” for one week to track bedtime, wake time, and energy.
Share the pattern with kids so they can see how rest affects mood.

Enjoying the show? Help out by rating this podcast on Apple to help others get access to this information too! apple.co/3ysFijh

Follow Dr. Caroline

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.carolinebuzanko

IG: https://www.instagram.com/dr.carolinebuzanko/

LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/dr-caroline-buzanko

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrCarolineBuzanko/

Website: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/

Resources: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/resources/articles-child-resilience-well-being-psychology/

Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

205. Are kids melting down because they don’t have the right words?

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 02 Sep 2025 06:01:00 GMT

In this episode of Overpowering Emotions, Dr. Caroline zeroes in on emotional literacy as an essential foundation of all self-regulation. From everyday behaviours to big emotional outbursts, the ability to name and understand emotions changes everything.

Learn why kids often shut down, spiral, or explode when they don’t have the right words—and how to build their emotional vocabulary in ways that are playful, specific, and powerful.

You’ll walk away with real-world tools and creative strategies to support kids at every stage.

Learn what you need to help kids feel, name, and regulate emotions—so they can build confidence, connection, and resilience.

Homework Ideas & Resources

Daily Feelings Check-Ins

Using a visual, like a feelings wheel or emojis, ask:

· How do you feel right now?

· How do you know?

Resource: use the feels wheel, emotions list, or emojis in the emotional literacy resource book

Build an Emotion Word Wall

Start with basic categories (mad, sad, happy, scared). Then expand with synonyms and nuance (e.g., “annoyed,” “resentful,” “embarrassed,” “overwhelmed”). Ask kids to:

· Sort words by intensity

· Compare synonyms (What’s the difference between nervous and uneasy?)

· Add new words they discover in books, music, or real life

Emotion Detective Journal

Each day, kids track:

· One emotion they felt

· What may have triggered it

· What they noticed in their body, thoughts, and behaviour

· What helped, what didn’t

This supports emotional tracking and self-awareness over time.

Check out the Emotional Literacy Resource to help you with each of these activities (https://korulearninginstitute.kit.com/emotionalliteracy)

Enjoying the show? Help out by rating this podcast on Apple to help others get access to this information too! apple.co/3ysFijh

Follow Dr. Caroline

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.carolinebuzanko

IG: https://www.instagram.com/dr.carolinebuzanko/

LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/dr-caroline-buzanko

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrCarolineBuzanko/

Website: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/

Resources: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/resources/articles-child-resilience-well-being-psychology/

Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

204. What’s the difference between emotions, feelings, affect, and moods? (And why does it matter?)

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 26 Aug 2025 07:01:42 GMT

Emotions aren’t just “big feelings” — they’re information.

In this episode of Overpowering Emotions Dr. Caroline breaks down the building blocks of affect, emotions, feelings, and moods to show why understanding the differences matters for kids’ self-regulation.

Learn how the brain interprets emotional signals, why emotions guide survival and decision-making, and how pleasant and unpleasant emotions both play a role in resilience. You’ll walk away with a clearer map for helping children (and yourself) move from overwhelmed to informed by emotional experiences.

Homework Ideas

Boosting Pleasant Moods Journal: Each day, have kids write or draw one moment of pleasant emotions. Talk about how it gave them energy for learning or connecting.

Behaviour vs Emotion Reflection: When a child engages in a behaviour, separate it from emotion: “It makes sense your body wanted to slam the door when you were angry. Anger’s job is to protect. Let’s find another way to do that.”

Brain Mapping: Help kids recognize the connections between thoughts, emotions, and behaviours, and show how their brain can be “rewired” to respond differently over time.

Draw (or print) a simple brain with two key parts labeled:
Amygdala = “Alarm System” (sometimes right, sometimes glitchy)
Prefrontal Cortex = “Wise Coach” (helps calm the alarm with reason and practice)

Explain: “When something scary or stressful happens, the amygdala sets off the alarm

before you even think. Your prefrontal cortex can calm it down—but only if you

practice sending it the right messages. We’re going to map how your brain

reacts, and then practice rewiring it.”

Map a Real-Life Situation: On a piece of paper, draw four columns:
Trigger / Situation (“What happened? What set off the alarm?”)
Thoughts (“What was running through your mind?”)
Feelings / Body Signals (“What did your body do?” Racing heart? Sweaty palms? Stomach ache?)
Actions / Behaviors (“What did you do next? Did you avoid, yell, freeze, or something else?”)

Have kids fill them in whenever they experienced strong emotions. Guide with

prompts like: “When did your amygdala set off the alarm this week?”

Connect the dots:
Show how actions (like avoidance) may have made the amygdala stronger (“see, I was right, that was dangerous!”).
Show how helpful actions (like staying in the situation, using calming skills, or reframing a thought) send the opposite message (“actually, this wasn’t dangerous, I can handle it”).
Draw arrows to make a cycle diagram: Trigger → Thoughts → Feelings → Actions → Amygdala Response
Ask: “Did your brain get tricked into making the cycle worse, or did your brain start learning it could handle it?”
Practice rewiring the brain: For each mapped example, add a new column called: “Rewire Response” (What could I think, feel, or do differently next time to help my brain learn I can handle it?)
Examples:
Thought: “This is panic, but I can ride it out.”
Action: “Instead of leaving, I’ll stay one more minute.”
Feeling: “I might still feel scared, but it doesn’t mean I’m in danger.”
Reflect & Track Progress: At the end of the week, ask:
“When did your prefrontal cortex win this week?”
“What did your amygdala learn?”
“What cycle do you want to rewire next?”

Enjoying the show? Help out by rating this podcast on Apple to help others get access to this information too! apple.co/3ysFijh

Follow Dr. Caroline

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.carolinebuzanko

IG: https://www.instagram.com/dr.carolinebuzanko/

LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/dr-caroline-buzanko

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrCarolineBuzanko/

Website: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/

Resources: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/resources/articles-child-resilience-well-being-psychology/

Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

203. How can peer influence boost self-regulation in teens?

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 19 Aug 2025 07:01:02 GMT

Teen years are a time of big feelings, strong peer influence, and still-developing self-control.

In this episode of Overpowering Emotions, Dr. Caroline explores how peers can be powerful allies in helping kids and teens strengthen self-regulation.

From co-regulation strategies and group skill-building to peer mentoring and conflict resolution practice, discover how friendships and social dynamics can support emotional growth. Find practical ways to harness peer influence in building resilience, impulse control, and healthy relationships.

Homework Ideas:

Emotion Labeling Practice: Encourage kids to name their feelings daily (use a chart or journal).
Peer Role-Play: Pair kids with peers or siblings to practice handling conflicts, giving space for respectful disagreement.
Shared Problem-Solving: Present a real-world challenge and have kids brainstorm solutions together, discussing which strategies help regulate emotions.
Self-Regulation Coaching Pairs: Set up peer partners who check in with each other on goals, frustrations, and coping tools.
Celebrating Success: Create a system (classroom board, home chart, or group circle time) where kids recognize when peers used self-regulation strategies well.

Enjoying the show? Help out by rating this podcast on Apple to help others get access to this information too! apple.co/3ysFijh

Follow Dr. Caroline

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.carolinebuzanko

IG: https://www.instagram.com/dr.carolinebuzanko/

LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/dr-caroline-buzanko

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrCarolineBuzanko/

Website: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/

Resources: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/resources/articles-child-resilience-well-being-psychology/

Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

202. Are we ignoring the one thing that actually builds resilience?

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 12 Aug 2025 07:01:28 GMT

Self-regulation isn’t just about teaching kids to “calm down.” It’s about what’s happening around them—the relationships, routines, and environments that shape how they manage emotions and reach goals.

In this episode of #overpoweringemotions Dr. Caroline breaks down the often-overlooked elements that make or break self-regulation development: chaotic households, screen dependency, co-regulation pitfalls, and the surprising role of peers. If you're a parent, teacher, or clinician working with kids or teens, this one’s for you.

We cover:

• Why adult emotional regulation directly affects kids’ behavior

• How co-regulation can backfire if you’re doing too much

• The impact of adversity, screen time, and stress on kids’ brains

• Why school and community settings are vital for real change

• The difference between training toddlers and coaching teens

Homework Ideas:

Adult Self-Regulation Check-In

Reflect on the past 3 days:

• How did you respond to stress?

• Did your kids or students see you calm down?

• When did you yell, rush, or shut down?

→ Write down one pattern you want to shift.

→ Share it with a co-parent or colleague for accountability.

Co-Regulation Inventory

Use this to evaluate how you're supporting kids' emotional development. Be honest—this isn’t about guilt, it’s about growth.

PART 1: Your Emotional Availability

Over the past 3 days…

☐ Did I stay calm when my child/teen was upset?

☐ Did I model pausing and taking a breath?

☐ Did I respond with connection before correction?

☐ Did I name emotions without dismissing or fixing them?

☐ Did I let them feel uncomfortable without jumping to solve it?

Reflection Prompt: When they were overwhelmed, did I show up in a way that made things feel safe—or more stressful?”

PART 2: Your Habits That Might Be Getting in the Way

Check any that apply:

☐ I often talk for my child when they’re upset

☐ I immediately distract or fix when they’re struggling

☐ I raise my voice when things escalate

☐ I jump in too fast instead of coaching them through

☐ I feel emotionally wiped out and lose patience quickly

Try This Reframe: Instead of “How do I get them to calm down?” ask: “How do I help them build the skills to handle this next time?”

PART 3: Skills to Strengthen

Which of these could you practice this week?

☐ Allowing space for emotional expression

☐ Staying regulated in front of dysregulation

☐ Using fewer words when things escalate

☐ Validating their feelings—even if you don’t agree

☐ Practicing stress recovery yourself (sleep, food, rest)

Personal Reflection

* What pattern do I want to shift this week?

* What usually triggers my reactivity?

* What would support *me* in staying grounded?

Coaching Phrase to Use This Week: “You don’t have to fix it right now. I’m here with you while we ride it out.”

Collaboration Conversations

Use the following tips and example scripts to create structure and routines without power struggles.

Key goals:

✅ Reduce resistance

✅ Build autonomy

✅ Strengthen connection

✅ Support emotional regulation

BEFORE YOU START: 3 Ground Rules

1. Stay calm and neutral

2. Assume good intentions

3. Make it feel like a team effort—not a lecture

For Younger Children (Ages 5–10)

Example Goal: Create a bedtime or morning routine

Script Starter:

“Hey buddy, mornings have felt kinda rushed lately. Can we come up with a plan together so it feels smoother for both of us?”

Prompt Questions:

* “What do you like doing first when you wake up?”

* “What part is hardest for you?”

* “Would it help to have a checklist or pictures?”

* “Should we race the timer tomorrow and see if we can beat it?”

Collaborative Statement:

“Let’s pick 3 things you’ll do in order. I’ll help you remember until it’s a habit.”

Tip: Let them draw or decorate their routine chart. Ownership = buy-in.

For Tweens and Teens (Ages 11+)

Example Goal: Homework + Screen Balance

Script Starter:

“You’re getting older, and I want you to have more say in how your time goes. Can we figure out a plan together so screens and homework don’t fight each other?”

Prompt Questions:

* “When do you feel most focused?”

* “Would you rather work in one block or take breaks?”

* “What’s something I should stop doing that makes it harder?”

* “What’s a fair plan for screen time after work is done?”

Collaborative Statement:

“Let’s test this plan for a few days and tweak it if it’s not working. I want this to feel fair, not forced.”

Boundaries Script: When They Resist

Use this when things start to spiral: “I’m not here to control you. I want to figure this out together. I’m going to take a pause and we can try again when we’re both ready to work as a team.”

Bonus Prompts for Any Age

“What’s one thing that would make \[school mornings / bedtime / dinner time] better?”

“What do you want to have control over here?”

Let’s pick one small thing to try this week. You pick it.”

Enjoying the show? Help out by rating this podcast on Apple to help others get access to this information too! apple.co/3ysFijh

Follow Dr. Caroline

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.carolinebuzanko

IG: https://www.instagram.com/dr.carolinebuzanko/

LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/dr-caroline-buzanko

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrCarolineBuzanko/

Website: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/

Resources: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/resources/articles-child-resilience-well-being-psychology/

Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

201. What actually builds self-regulation in kids?

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 05 Aug 2025 07:01:42 GMT

This episode of #OverpoweringEmotions breaks down the most effective strategies to help kids and teens manage their impulses, emotions, and behaviours beyond the usual “just breathe” advice.

Dr. Caroline covers a broad range of effective interventions from mindfulness and CBT to distress exposures, DBT skills, emotional literacy, family supports, and system-wide approaches. Learn more about the importance of building habits and brain skills for lifelong self-regulation.

Homework Ideas:

Audit Your Child’s Environment

Check for unnecessary stressors that are making regulation harder: noise, screen overload, lack of sleep, poor transitions.

Create a checklist of daily rhythm points (wake-up, meals, after-school, bedtime) to spot hidden pressure points.

Daily 3-2-1 Ritual

• 3 things that made me feel good today

• 2 people I felt connected to

• 1 thing I want to try this week

Emotion Literacy Jar

Fill a jar with feeling words and scenarios (e.g., “Someone cuts in line,” “You’re left out”). Pull one a day and practice labeling feelings + planning a regulation strategy.

Practice “Opposite Action” Together

Create a family challenge where each person picks one “opposite action” moment a day (e.g., stay when you want to leave, speak kindly when annoyed). Reflect together at dinner.

If needed, use these prompts to help kids practice doing the opposite of what their emotion urges them to do.

• You feel like yelling → Try whispering instead

• You want to leave the room → Try staying for 1 more minute

• You feel like slamming the door → Try closing it gently

• You want to ignore someone → Try making eye contact and saying hi

• You feel like quitting → Try doing 2 more minutes of effort

• You want to scroll → Try putting your phone in another room

• You feel embarrassed → Try smiling or staying in the moment

Enjoying the show? Help out by rating this podcast on Apple to help others get access to this information too! apple.co/3ysFijh

Follow Dr. Caroline

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.carolinebuzanko

IG: https://www.instagram.com/dr.carolinebuzanko/

LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/dr-caroline-buzanko

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrCarolineBuzanko/

Website: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/

Resources: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/resources/articles-child-resilience-well-being-psychology/

Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

200. What if boredom is the emotional reset your child actually needs?

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 29 Jul 2025 06:01:15 GMT

Is boredom a problem—or a powerful emotional signal?

In this episode of #Overpowering Emotions, Dr. Caroline challenges the modern urge to “fix” boredom and shares why it’s actually essential for emotion regulation, creativity, and executive function.

Learn how boredom acts as a reset for the brain, encourages self-reflection, and builds resilience in kids and adults alike.

Discover why sitting in stillness matters more than ever—and how doing nothing may be exactly what growing minds need.

Homework Ideas

Schedule daily "do-nothing" breaks: 3–5 minutes of intentional stillness—no phones, music, or multitasking. Just breathe, notice, and pause.

Model boredom tolerance: Say “I’m bored too—let’s sit with it together” (even if you aren’t). Normalize the emotion without rushing to fix it. Who knows what spark might happen!

Reframe the language: Instead of “I’m bored,” try “I’m resetting” or “I’m giving my brain a break.” Teach this shift to your kids.

Observe your own reaction to kids’ boredom: Are you rushing to solve it? Sit with that discomfort too.

Create a boredom menu: Use the resource below as a proactive list of creative activities kids can reference before they feel bored. Designed to spark curiosity after rest—not replace it.

Resource:

119 ideas: https://korulearninginstitute.kit.com/119activities

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Follow Dr. Caroline

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.carolinebuzanko

IG: https://www.instagram.com/dr.carolinebuzanko/

LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/dr-caroline-buzanko

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrCarolineBuzanko/

Website: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/

Resources: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/resources/articles-child-resilience-well-being-psychology/

Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

199. Why doesn’t “stop and think” work? And what should we do instead?

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 22 Jul 2025 06:01:07 GMT

In this episode of #Overpowering Emotions, Dr. Caroline breaks down self-regulation into its three essential parts—cognitive, emotional, and behavioural—and explains why emotional overload can derail even the best intentions.

Learn how executive functions like attention, working memory, and impulse control interact with emotions and behaviors, why common strategies fall short, and what actually helps kids (and adults) build lasting regulation skills.

This episode sets the stage for real, effective support, especially for emotional intensity.

Homework Ideas

Delay Gratification Challenge

Set up small daily challenges that build delay tolerance—e.g., “Wait 10 minutes before dessert,” or “Finish one task before checking your phone.” Model it yourself too.

Track Hot vs. Cold Brain States

Observe kids across the day and label whether they’re in a “hot” (emotional, reactive) or “cold” (calm, thinking) brain state. Identify physical or emotional clues that suggest which brain is active. Review patterns together at the end of the week to identify triggers or strengths. Use this to plan to proactively target, teach, and/or reinforce regulation skills. Have kids help too - building awareness of their internal states is the first step toward better self-regulation.

Ideas of what to track:

Date

Time of Day/Activity

Brain State (Hot or Cold?)

Clues I Noticed (e.g., heart racing, calm body, fast talking)

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Follow Dr. Caroline

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.carolinebuzanko

IG: https://www.instagram.com/dr.carolinebuzanko/

LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/dr-caroline-buzanko

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrCarolineBuzanko/

Website: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/

Resources: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/resources/articles-child-resilience-well-being-psychology/

Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

198. What if "laziness" is just missing skills?

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 15 Jul 2025 07:01:00 GMT

What’s really behind your child’s procrastination, meltdowns, or avoidance? It might not be defiance—it could be a gap in self-regulation skills.

In this episode of #overpoweringemotions Dr. Caroline breaks down how to support kids and teens in building the tools they need to follow through on goals—whether it’s brushing teeth or studying for a test. She emphasizes the need for a framework to develop goal-directed behavior and executive skills.

You’ll learn strategies in developing self-regulation, including making expectations clear and concrete, using backward planning, and coach kids with self-talk strategies that actually work.

She also discusses the importance of proactive planning, reflection, and promoting supported autonomy to help children develop independence and self-regulation

Perfect for anyone looking to foster independence, build resilience, and stop the constant nagging cycle.

📌 Homework Ideas:

Goal: Build kids’ self-regulation framework with visual and practical tools.

Create a visual checklist using backward planning. Pick one daily routine (e.g., getting ready in the morning). Work backwards with your child and take photos of each step. Turn it into a visual schedule they can follow.

Use “I Can” statements. Together with your child, reframe expectations as personal action steps:

· I can pack my bag by 8:00

· I can double check my work before handing it in

· I can take three breaths when I feel overwhelmed

Create proactive plans with children for potential obstacles or challenges, a “Plan B” flowchart:

What will I do if…

· I forget a step?

· My brother annoys me?

· I feel frustrated halfway through?

Practice role-playing a few scenarios to prepare for tricky moments.

Help children develop self-coaching phrases for motivation and persistence.

Enjoying the show? Help out by rating this podcast on Apple to help others get access to this information too! apple.co/3ysFijh

Follow Dr. Caroline

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.carolinebuzanko

IG: https://www.instagram.com/dr.carolinebuzanko/

LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/dr-caroline-buzanko

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrCarolineBuzanko/

Website: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/

Resources: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/resources/articles-child-resilience-well-being-psychology/

Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

197. What's the difference between self-control and self-regulation?

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 08 Jul 2025 16:01:29 GMT

Today Dr. Caroline breaks down the difference between self-regulation and self-control—and why confusing the two leads to ineffective strategies.

She explores how self-control is tied to social connection, modeling, and co-regulation. Learn what actually helps kids build emotional regulation that lasts.

A must-listen for anyone wanting to support kids through stress, frustration, and big feelings.

Homework Ideas

Narrate Your Own Regulation:

Start talking out loud when you're managing frustration or stress. (“I’m feeling overwhelmed, so I’m going to pause and take a few deep breaths.”)

Spot and Praise the Pause:

Catch kids using restraint (no matter how small) and acknowledge it. (“I noticed you stopped before yelling—great job catching yourself!”)

Build Predictable Routines:

Identify one part of the day that often brings stress. Create a simple visual schedule or routine to reduce unpredictability and set kids up for success.

Model Emotional Vocabulary:

Teach kids words for their emotions. Practice using phrases like “frustrated Fred showed up again—what do we want to do with him?”

Create a Co-Regulation Plan:

Work with kids to come up with ways you can support them during tricky moments. What helps them feel safe enough to pause?

Enjoying the show? Help out by rating this podcast on Apple to help others get access to this information too! apple.co/3ysFijh

Follow Dr. Caroline

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.carolinebuzanko

IG: https://www.instagram.com/dr.carolinebuzanko/

LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/dr-caroline-buzanko

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrCarolineBuzanko/

Website: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/

Resources: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/resources/articles-child-resilience-well-being-psychology/

Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

196. Are kids lazy—or just lacking a plan?

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 01 Jul 2025 06:01:00 GMT

Kids aren’t defiant, lazy, or unmotivated—they’re often stuck without the tools to follow through.

In this episode of Overpowering Emotions, Dr. Caroline digs into what self-regulation actually means, how it connects to goal-directed behaviour, and what adults can do to guide kids without falling into the nagging trap.

Dr. Caroline breaks down the executive function skills kids need to stay focused, manage frustration, and follow through—whether it’s brushing teeth or finishing homework. You’ll learn how to make expectations visible, teach kids to plan backwards, and create visual guides, flowcharts, and self-talk strategies that stick.

This just may be the reset you didn’t know you needed.

Homework Ideas

Create a Visual Goal Planner

Pick one goal (e.g., be ready for school by 8:15 AM). Work together to break it down into small, concrete steps. Use backward planning to identify each task. Start from the last step and work backward to the first then create a visual flowchart or checklist with images or icons.

✅ Optional: If you want to help build time management as well, have them predict how long each step will take and write how long it actually takes.

Tip: Take photos of each step and use them to create a visual guide.

Step What needs to happen? Predicted time Actual time

Develop Self-Coaching Scripts

Help kids create their own inner coach with motivational phrases to stay focused and keep going. Brainstorm 3–5 short self-coaching phrases when things get hard. Frame them as “I can…” or “When I feel ___, I can ___.” You can use the prompts below to help them come up with their own helpful phrases.

I can...

Example: I can do one small thing right now.

When I feel frustrated, I can...

Example: Ask for help.

When I feel like giving up, I can remind myself...

Example: I’ve done hard things before.

Create your own:

1. __________________________________________

2. __________________________________________

3. __________________________________________

4. __________________________________________

5. __________________________________________

Post these scripts somewhere visible—on a binder, wall, or mirror—for easy reminders

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Follow Dr. Caroline

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.carolinebuzanko

IG: https://www.instagram.com/dr.carolinebuzanko/

LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/dr-caroline-buzanko

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrCarolineBuzanko/

Website: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/

Resources: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/resources/articles-child-resilience-well-being-psychology/

Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

195. How can music help kids manage big emotions?

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 24 Jun 2025 06:01:00 GMT

Music hits different when it speaks to your soul—and it can do the same for kids. In this episode, Dr. Caroline explores how music affects the brain and the role it can have in helping kids manage emotions. When using music intentionally, not as a distraction but as a tool, the right playlist can help kids process emotions, shift moods, and respond to situations proactively.

Hear more about helping kids build their own music toolbox to boost emotional balance, increase self-awareness, and manage everyday stress. From pump-up jams before a hockey game to sad songs that offer comfort after a rough day, music meets us where we are—and can help guide us forward.

Homework Ideas

Music Toolbox

Help kids create a personalized Music Toolbox with (at least) three intentional playlists:

Power Playlist – Songs that boost confidence and focus before tough tasks or sports.
Chill-Out Playlist – Calming tracks to slow breathing and ease transitions or stress.
Comfort Playlist – Sad or emotionally honest songs to help process and release tough feelings.

Ask:

“What does this song make you feel?”
“Where do you feel it in your body?”
“When would this song help you most?”

Model

Talk about how YOU use music for motivation, calm, and processing emotions. Create and use your own playlists too! Model intentional use of music for emotional regulation.

Experiment

Over the next week, help kids experiment with different genres and tempos of music. Try at least three types of music they don’t normally listen to. After listening to each type for a few minutes, have them jot down their responses:

What emotion(s) came up?
Where did you feel it in your body?
What thoughts popped into your head?
Would you choose to listen to that again when you feel overwhelmed, sad, bored, anxious, or unmotivated?

Create a Music Reset Plan

Help kids use music proactively for emotional balance and stress regulation. Have them pick a moment during their day when they might feel stressed or scattered and listen to a (helpful) personal playlist to promote balance. Choose 3–5 songs that calm, motivate, or ground. Use it regularly throughout the day every day.

For the first week, it is helpful to answer these reflection questions after each use:

What mood were you in before you listened?
What changed (if anything) afterward?
Was the music helpful for getting back on track?
Would you change anything on your playlist?

Invite kids to create different versions: a “wake-up reset,” a “pre-test calm,” or a “post-conflict cool-down” playlist.

Enjoying the show? Help out by rating this podcast on Apple to help others get access to this information too! apple.co/3ysFijh

Follow Dr. Caroline

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.carolinebuzanko

IG: https://www.instagram.com/dr.carolinebuzanko/

LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/dr-caroline-buzanko

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrCarolineBuzanko/

Website: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/

Resources: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/resources/articles-child-resilience-well-being-psychology/

Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

194. How can movement & problem-solving make kids feel better?

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 17 Jun 2025 06:01:34 GMT

We know movement is good for mood. But what if it’s also the missing link to helping kids (and adults) become better problem solvers?

In this episode of Overpowering Emotions, Dr. Caroline explains how physical movement helps regulate emotions, unlock creativity, and activate the brain’s problem-solving systems. Learn why talking while walking is more effective than sitting face-to-face, how to avoid getting stuck in emotional venting loops, and what kind of movement actually shifts kids from spiraling into clarity.

This is more than a brain break—this is a strategy that works.

Learn practical ideas to help kids problem-solve when emotions run high.

Homework Ideas

✅ Try the “Load-and-Move” Strategy: Go for a walk. Before the walk, ask your child to think of one question they’re stuck on (e.g., What should I do about my friend ignoring me?).

· During the walk or rhythmic activity: Don’t push for answers. Let the thoughts flow and the body move.

· After the walk: Ask what popped up during the activity. Was anything clearer?

✅ Incorporate Brain-Body Breaks

· Set timers for 15–20 minutes during homework or classwork to stand, stretch, or walk.

· Use silly dances, skipping, or “shake it off” routines to release tension.

✅ Shift from Face-to-Face to Side-by-Side

· Use walking conversations instead of sit-down problem-solving talks. It eases pressure and opens dialogue.

Enjoying the show? Help out by rating this podcast on Apple to help others get access to this information too! apple.co/3ysFijh

Follow Dr. Caroline

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.carolinebuzanko

IG: https://www.instagram.com/dr.carolinebuzanko/

LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/dr-caroline-buzanko

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrCarolineBuzanko/

Website: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/

Resources: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/resources/articles-child-resilience-well-being-psychology/

Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

193. Are we giving kids the emotional tools they actually need?

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 10 Jun 2025 06:01:00 GMT

What if emotional health wasn’t something we “talked about” but something kids could actually practice—every single day? In this episode, Rafael McMaster of Indivisible Arts joins Caroline to share the 7 practical tools his nonprofit teaches Gen Z and Gen Alpha youth to build emotional strength, self-awareness, and authentic connection.

They explore why most kids say “I’m fine” when they’re not, how screens and social pressure are rewiring the teen brain, and what it really takes to build emotional resilience from the inside out.

You’ll hear how even young kids ae learning to recognize unhelpful thought loops, shift their mindset with tools like G-flipping, and create meaning through creativity and connection.

Perfect for educators, parents, and mental health professionals ready to move beyond theory and give youth tools they’ll actually use

Homework Ideas

Learn and Practice the 7 Tools Yourself

• Awareness: Notice recurring patterns of emotions.

• Acceptance: Let go of needing things to be different right now.

• Intention: Set a daily intention using feeling-based language.

• G-Flip: Reframe a frustration into a gratitude-based statement.

• Compassion: Show yourself the kindness you'd give your child.

• Forgiveness: Write one letter to release resentment (even if you never send it).

• Connection: Schedule a creative or awe-filled moment—walk in nature, make art, or sit in stillness.

Start “Tool Talks” With Youth

• Ask: “Which tool do you think we both need today?”

• Practice one together for 5 minutes before bed or after school.

About Rafael

Rafael McMaster is a creative leader in youth mindfulness - teaching consciousness to the next Generation of students in a fresh way. He founded a youth creative laboratory - Resin, in Hermosa Beach, CA - as well as founding a 501c3 non-profit, Indivisible Arts that teaches fundamental life tools to youth. Rafael just published his first book, the “Fundamental Life Tools” this month, as well as the Emerging Consciousness Broadcast Center, and one destination where youth can begin learning about consciousness through tools being taught by fellow teens and youth.

Check out his new book!

Fundamental Life Tools: Self-Empowering Toolkit for Being

Where to find Rafael

Websites: https://www.indivisiblearts.org/

https://www.rafaelmcmaster.com/

https://www.theemergingc.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rafael-mcmaster-ba573531/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rafaelmcmasterart/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mcmaster.peace/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVP8eNYx58z

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Follow Dr. Caroline

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IG: https://www.instagram.com/dr.carolinebuzanko/

LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/dr-caroline-buzanko

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrCarolineBuzanko/

Website: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/

Resources: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/resources/articles-child-resilience-well-being-psychology/

Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

192. Are we overlooking the basics of raising healthy, resilient kids?

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 03 Jun 2025 06:00:50 GMT

In this episode of #OverpoweringEmotions, Dr. Caroline chats with holistic psychotherapist Keri Cooper about the overlooked building blocks of mental health: sleep, nutrition, hydration, movement, and screen habits.

They dive into simple daily shifts that make a big difference for kids' emotional well-being. Discover easy strategies that boost resilience, focus, and mood. Plus, hear how small parenting habits today shape lifelong mental health.

This conversation is packed with practical takeaways you can start today.

Tune in and find out how small, doable changes can create big wins for kids and teens.

Homework Ideas:

Remove phones from bedrooms at night. Set up a central charging station for the family.
Eat one meal together daily — even if it’s messy or short. Focus on showing up, not perfection.
Shift to water-only drinking at home — replace sodas and sugary drinks with water.
Introduce a wind-down routine — screens off 1 hour before bed. Try board games, a walk, or reading.
Get kids involved in meal planning or cooking — even just one meal a week.

Prefer to watch?

About Keri:

Keri Cooper, LCSW, is the owner of Keri Cooper Holistic Therapy in northern New Jersey. In her private practice, she counsels teens and works to give them the tools they need to navigate life. Keri takes a holistic approach to therapy, looking at the whole person, not just their symptoms.

Website for more tips and free downloads: kericooperholistictherapy.com

Enjoying the show? Help out by rating this podcast on Apple to help others get access to this information too! apple.co/3ysFijh

Follow Dr. Caroline

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.carolinebuzanko

IG: https://www.instagram.com/dr.carolinebuzanko/

LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/dr-caroline-buzanko

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrCarolineBuzanko/

Website: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/

Resources: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/resources/articles-child-resilience-well-being-psychology/

Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

191. What's wrong with telling kids, “Just Breathe?”

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 27 May 2025 16:52:29 GMT

In this episode, Dr. Caroline takes a closer look at the surprising ways breathing can interfere with emotional regulation, especially for children and teens facing anxiety, OCD, and emotional reactivity. From avoidance and compulsions to relaxation-induced anxiety, she unpacks why breathing isn't always the right answer—and how to teach it in ways that build strength, not dependency.

There are certainly times breathing is important - after all, we need to breathe to live. And yes, there are times when it can help with regulation. But it's important to know how to spot unhelpful patterns, support kids with intentional breath work, and shift the focus from controlling feelings to building real tolerance for discomfort.

This one’s especially for anyone who's ever been told to “just breathe”—and found it didn’t work.

Homework Ideas

Goal: Support kids and teens in using breathing at helpful times without turning it into avoidance or compulsion.

When emotions come up, this is a great opportunity to replace “Take a deep breath to calm down” with dropping into the body and noticing what is happening there.
Check out this worksheet and use it to guide your practice.

Introduce “pause–breathe–choose” in low-stakes moments (e.g., before dinner, before homework) to reinforce decision-making over reactivity.

Create a “Breath Check” prompt (for yourself!):
Why are you asking a child to take a breath right now? What do you want that breath to do?
To stay with it… or to get away from it?”
Is this helping them learn? Move toward what matters?

Model screen-free, wind-down routines at night, including stretching, reading, or gentle music.

Eat one phone-free family meal per day. No pressure to talk—just be together. Use this to support sleep/wake rhythms and encourage healthier food choices.

Prefer to watch? Check out my YouTube channel

Enjoying the show? Help out by rating this podcast on Apple to help others get access to this information too! apple.co/3ysFijh

Follow Dr. Caroline

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.carolinebuzanko

IG: https://www.instagram.com/dr.carolinebuzanko/

LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/dr-caroline-buzanko

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrCarolineBuzanko/

Website: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/

Resources: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/resources/articles-child-resilience-well-being-psychology/

Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

190. How can we help teens feel less alone?

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 20 May 2025 06:00:25 GMT

Today’s guest, Laura Lyles Reagan, family sociologist and parenting communication coach, brings powerful reminders about the deep social roots of teen well-being.

We unpack how intentional rites of passage, strong support networks, and real communication shape a teenager’s sense of safety and belonging — and how we can step up in meaningful ways.

Tune in to hear practical ways to help teens build resilience and confidence in a world that can feel overwhelming. Small steps make a lasting difference.

Homework Ideas:

Build a Teen Support Network Map

Help teens list trusted adults and mentors they can turn to for different types of support (academic, emotional, practical). Use a simple tree, mind map, or committee chart.

Create Family Rites of Passage

Identify and celebrate meaningful milestones beyond academics (e.g., first solo trip to the store, managing their own schedule, contributing to a family project).

Practice Conscious Conversations

Focus on open-ended questions and true listening without judgment or "but" statements. Model emotional safety by validating feelings before offering advice.

Introduce a Communication Journal

Set up a simple journal where teens can share thoughts with parents or mentors outside of stressful moments.

Resources

Conversation Starters to use with silent or moody teens and the Conflict Free Conversation Checklist at https://LauraLReagan.com

Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide

About Laura

Laura Lyles Reagan, MS is a family sociologist, youth development researcher, parent and teen communication coach and award-winning author of How to Raise Respectful Parents. She helps parents and teens move from conflict to connection that lasts a lifetime. She teaches communication skills which help parents co-create solutions to problems and build positive futures together in her coaching practice and parent workshops nationwide.

https://LauraLReagan.com

Facebook Group, @Brave Parents Raising Teens

Enjoying the show? Help out by rating this podcast on Apple to help others get access to this information too! apple.co/3ysFijh

Follow Dr. Caroline

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.carolinebuzanko

IG: https://www.instagram.com/dr.carolinebuzanko/

LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/dr-caroline-buzanko

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrCarolineBuzanko/

Website: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/

Resources: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/resources/articles-child-resilience-well-being-psychology/

Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

189. Can writing help kids regulate better than talking?

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 13 May 2025 06:00:21 GMT

When emotions get tangled up in rumination, kids—and adults—can stay stuck. Expressive writing offers a way out.

In this episode of Overpowering Emotions, Dr. Caroline Buzanko shares how writing helps shift overwhelming emotions into structured thinking, builds resilience, and keeps the brain's self-regulation system online. She explains why freewriting beats silent spiraling, how to introduce this tool to kids, and how a simple daily habit can create lasting emotional change.

This episode explores:

· Why writing regulates better than talking or thinking

· How to introduce structured emotional writing at home and school

· Ways to adapt expressive writing for different ages and comfort levels

· How to use gratitude journals, letters, and storytelling to strengthen resilience

Homework Ideas:

Personal Trial

Spend 15–20 minutes writing freely about an emotional experience for 4 consecutive days. No editing, no structure. Just write.

Introduce to Kids

· Adapt freewriting for different ages: drawing, storytelling, or voice-to-text if needed.

· Introduce a Feelings Journal with no rules—just a safe space.

Gratitude Practice

Write 3 things you’re grateful for each night for one week. Try it with kids too.

Communication Journal

Start a parent-child or teacher-student communication notebook. Quietly pass it back and forth. No pressure, no corrections.

Story Rewrites

Encourage rewriting tough experiences with a different ending to build emotional flexibility.

Enjoying the show? Help out by rating this podcast on Apple to help others get access to this information too! apple.co/3ysFijh

Follow Dr. Caroline

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.carolinebuzanko

IG: https://www.instagram.com/dr.carolinebuzanko/

LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/dr-caroline-buzanko

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrCarolineBuzanko/

Website: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/

Resources: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/resources/articles-child-resilience-well-being-psychology/

Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

188. Can touch regulate emotions better than words?

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 06 May 2025 06:00:13 GMT

When it comes to helping kids manage big emotions, we often think about what to say. But sometimes the most powerful support isn’t verbal—it’s physical.

In this episode of Overpowering Emotions, Dr. Caroline Buzanko explores how safe, affectionate touch builds emotional security, reduces stress, and strengthens connection. Learn how simple, proactive physical contact like hugs, high-fives, and gentle reassurance can regulate emotions better than words ever could.

This episode covers:

· How touch calms the nervous system and reduces anxiety

· Why proactive physical connection builds trust and emotional resilience

· Practical ways to use touch to strengthen relationships

· How to respect comfort zones while fostering deeper emotional connections

Homework Ideas:

✅ Proactive Connection Challenge

· Give at least one extra physical touch every day (hug, high-five, hand on shoulder).

· Notice emotional responses without using extra words.

✅ Observe and Adjust:

· Track how different kids or teens respond to different types of touch.

· Respect comfort levels and ask if needed.

✅ Mississippi Hugs:

· Try a 6-second hug rule ("Six Mississippi's") at key moments: greeting, goodbye, before bedtime.

✅ Silent Presence Practice:

· Sit quietly next to a dysregulated child without speaking. Focus on calming presence and gentle proximity.

Prefer to watch?

Enjoying the show? Help out by rating this podcast on Apple to help others get access to this information too! apple.co/3ysFijh

Follow Dr. Caroline

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.carolinebuzanko

IG: https://www.instagram.com/dr.carolinebuzanko/

LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/dr-caroline-buzanko

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrCarolineBuzanko/

Website: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/

Resources: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/resources/articles-child-resilience-well-being-psychology/

Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

187. Are kids really manipulating us—or are we reinforcing their behaviour?

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 29 Apr 2025 06:00:30 GMT

Kids don’t manipulate—they learn. And often, they’re learning from us.

In this episode of Overpowering Emotions, Dr. Caroline Buzanko takes a hard look at what’s really going on when adults feel “manipulated” by big emotions. Whether it’s whining, shouting, tears, or shutdowns, we unpack how reinforcement, not manipulation, shapes behavior—and what we can do to stop accidentally teaching kids to rely on emotional outbursts to get what they want.

Perfect for anyone with kids or working with kids, this episode delivers:

· Why kids lean on emotional reactions (and how they get reinforced)

· How to stop giving mixed signals without shutting down expression

· Tools to validate emotion without rewarding behavior

· Consistent boundaries that build real emotional skill

Prefer to WATCH?

Homework Ideas

Audit Your Reactions

· Track one situation where a child whines, yells, or shuts down

· Write down your response

· Ask: Did I reinforce the behaviour? Did I validate the emotion without changing the rule?

Practice Broken Record Validation

· Create a go-to phrase: “I hear you. That’s frustrating.”

· Repeat it calmly when pushback increases—but don’t budge on the boundary.

Teach the Rules of Communication

· Frontload expectations: “I don’t understand whining. Talk to me when you’re ready.”

· Respond with calm consistency every time.

Model Emotion Ownership

Use your own stress moments to say: “I’m feeling overwhelmed. I’m going to take a walk and come back when I’m calm.”

Enjoying the show? Help out by rating this podcast on Apple to help others get access to this information too! apple.co/3ysFijh

Follow Dr. Caroline

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.carolinebuzanko

IG: https://www.instagram.com/dr.carolinebuzanko/

LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/dr-caroline-buzanko

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrCarolineBuzanko/

Website: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/

Resources: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/resources/articles-child-resilience-well-being-psychology/

Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

186. Why do kids resist help?

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 22 Apr 2025 11:22:21 GMT

Why do kids push back when we’re just trying to help? Why do teens dig in their heels at the simplest request?

In this episode, Dr. Caroline chats about the psychology behind resistance—what it really means when children, students, or even adults reject support.

We explore:

• The real reason behind pushback (hint: it’s not defiance)

• What “invisible support” looks like—and why it works

• Why autonomy matters more than compliance

• Subtle strategies to offer help without undermining confidence

• How teachers, parents, and professionals can model emotional

regulation without a power struggle

Listen in for practical ways to build trust, offer support that actually works, and create space for real emotional growth.

Prefer to watch? Check it out HERE

Homework Ideas

Weekly Reflection Challenge:

1. Identify one moment where you usually offer help.

2. Ask: Is this child resisting because they feel controlled?

3. Try giving two choices that lead to the same outcome.

4. Use the phrase: “Let me know if you need me.”

5. Watch for any shift in response. Did they engage more?

Observation Task

Watch for a moment your child or student resists your suggestion.
Pause. Reflect. Was it about control?
Journal the interaction and how it might be reframed next time.

Invisible Support Ideas – Helping Without Taking Over

Here are some ideas of subtle strategies to support children and teens while respecting their independence and building confidence.

🧠 EMOTIONAL SUPPORT:

Sit nearby during homework time without saying anything.
Bring them a cup of tea when they seem overwhelmed.
Use calming tone and body language instead of trying to talk them down.
Say "I'm here if you need me," then step back.

🛠️ ENVIRONMENTAL SUPPORT:

Create a distraction-free workspace they’ll want to be in.
Loosen tight laces or prep materials subtly so they experience success.
Handle background logistics quietly (e.g., prep snacks, tidy space).

🗣️ COMMUNICATION SUPPORT:

Ask open-ended questions: "What do you think might help right now?"
Avoid directives. Use gentle prompts: "I wonder if..."
Instead of correcting, circle or highlight an area for improvement.

🏁 TASK SUPPORT:

Handle a small errand for them when they’re visibly stressed.
Model problem-solving out loud rather than instructing directly.
Let them take the lead, even if it means small mistakes.

Enjoying the show? Help out by rating this podcast on Apple to help others get access to this information too! apple.co/3ysFijh

Follow Dr. Caroline

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.carolinebuzanko

IG: https://www.instagram.com/dr.carolinebuzanko/

LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/dr-caroline-buzanko

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrCarolineBuzanko/

Website: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/

Resources: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/resources/articles-child-resilience-well-being-psychology/

Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

185. How can we help kids overcome the “I can’t” mentality?

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 15 Apr 2025 06:00:08 GMT

Today on Overpowering Emotions, Dr. Caroline speaks with Kevin Elworth, a father of five, entrepreneur, and resilience advocate, to explore how determination and mindset shape family life and personal growth. Kevin shares his journey from fostering to adoption, navigating financial and emotional challenges, and raising kids to be independent thinkers.

Discover actionable strategies to help kids overcome “I can’t” mentalities, foster creativity, and redefine failure as learning opportunities. Tune in to get practical advice and inspiring stories to help guide children toward resilience and confidence.

Homework Ideas

Ban “I Don’t Know” and “I Can’t”: Challenge yourself and kids to replace these phrases with action-oriented alternatives like “I need to research” or “How can I make this possible?”

Create “Boredom Time”: Dedicate at least one afternoon per week as a no-screens, unstructured time for kids to explore their creativity.

Support Goal-Setting: Help kids identify one goal they’re passionate about. Work with them to create a step-by-step plan to achieve it, teaching them to view setbacks as opportunities.

Redefine Mistakes: With kids, write down recent “mistakes” and discuss what was learned from each one. Focus on the growth that came from the experience.

Identify Strengths: Encourage kids to identify what they’re naturally good at and explore how they can use these strengths in creative or entrepreneurial ways.

About Kevin

Kevin Elworth is a renowned speaker who delights in making the complex simple with his storytelling style, he’s a fan of audiences everywhere who leave challenged, encouraged, and motivated in their pursuit of what comes next. His forthcoming book, Breaking the I Can’t Cycle, is sure to compel you toward your own determination and drive to accomplish more.

Get in touch:

FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=759787935

Website: https://www.kevinelworth.live/

Enjoying the show? Help out by rating this podcast on Apple to help others get access to this information too! apple.co/3ysFijh

Follow Dr. Caroline

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.carolinebuzanko

IG: https://www.instagram.com/dr.carolinebuzanko/

LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/dr-caroline-buzanko

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrCarolineBuzanko/

Website: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/

Resources: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/resources/articles-child-resilience-well-being-psychology/

Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

184. Are you the thermostat or the thermometer in your kid’s life?

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 08 Apr 2025 06:00:57 GMT

Emotions are contagious—and kids absorb others' emotions the fastest.

In this episode of Overpowering Emotions, Dr. Caroline breaks down the science of emotional contagion. Learn social media’s impact on emotion regulation and why adults should consider themselves emotional thermostats (vs. thermometers). Learn how your stress, frustration, or calm directly impacts kids’ emotions, behaviour, and learning.

To help kids regulate emotions, learn how to manage your emotional energy—online and offline—and help kids build emotional resilience.

Topics include:

Mirror neurons & emotional contagion
How adult moods shape kids environment
Strategies to model emotional regulation
Social media’s emotional rollercoaster
Ideas to reset emotional energy and stop doom scrolling

Prefer to WATCH?

Homework Ideas

Track Your Emotional State Around Kids

* Pay attention to how your mood shifts and how kids react.

* Journal moments when your tone or facial expression changed the energy in the room.

Practice Setting the Emotional Tone

* During chaos, slow your movements and lower your voice—observe what happens.

* Use eye contact and a calm, steady voice to model regulation.

Teach Kids About Emotional Contagion:

* Watch short videos together that elicit different emotions and talk about how it made them feel.

* Ask: “Have you ever felt happier because someone smiled at you?”

* Start daily check-ins: “What mood did you catch today? What was yours?”

Social Media Reset

* Try a 24-hour Social Media Detox—notice emotional shifts.

* Curate your social feed: unfollow draining accounts, follow pages that inspire.

Enjoying the show? Help out by rating this podcast on Apple to help others get access to this information too! apple.co/3ysFijh

Follow Dr. Caroline

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.carolinebuzanko

IG: https://www.instagram.com/dr.carolinebuzanko/

LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/dr-caroline-buzanko

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrCarolineBuzanko/

Website: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/

Resources: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/resources/articles-child-resilience-well-being-psychology/

Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

183. How do kids’ inner voices shape their confidence?

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 25 Mar 2025 06:00:19 GMT

How often do you notice the voice in your head? That constant chatter guiding your choices, second-guessing decisions, or even holding you back?

On this episode of Overpowering Emotions, Dr. Caroline unpacks the power of our inner voice—how it helps us problem-solve, remember details, and coach ourselves through challenges, but also how it can turn against us with self-doubt and anxiety.

Learn practical ways to help yourself and your kids manage that inner dialogue, build confidence, and break free from rumination. It’s time to take control of the conversation happening inside your mind.

Prefer to watch? Check out: https://youtu.be/M965x8OCt54

📌 Homework Ideas

Track Your Inner Voice: Spend a day paying attention to your thoughts. Take note of different voices and whether they are helpful or not.

Name Your Inner Critic: Externalizing self-doubt makes it easier to manage. Give your critical voice a name (Self-Critical Sam, Doubtful Debbie, etc.). Get on offense and identify when you think this inner critic will show up next.

Body Mapping Exercise: Notice where negative thoughts create tension in your body. Does self-doubt feel like a tight chest? Does worry sit in your stomach? Draw it out (with colours!).

Shift to Action: When caught in rumination, ask, What’s next? Focus on the next small step instead of replaying worries.

Enjoying the show? Help out by rating this podcast on Apple to help others get access to this information too! apple.co/3ysFijh

Follow Dr. Caroline

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.carolinebuzanko

IG: https://www.instagram.com/dr.carolinebuzanko/

LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/dr-caroline-buzanko

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrCarolineBuzanko/

Website: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/

Resources: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/resources/articles-child-resilience-well-being-psychology/

Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

182. Are you making kids’ meltdowns worse without knowing it?

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 18 Mar 2025 06:00:00 GMT

Helping Kids Regulate Their Emotions – Without Escalating the Chaos

Emotional regulation isn’t just about calming kids down—it’s about teaching them how to handle their emotions effectively.

In this episode, Dr. Caroline chats with Leslie Josel, ADHD parenting coach and executive function expert, to break down why emotional regulation is a crucial executive function skill—and how we can support kids without making things worse.

You'll learn:

✔️ Why kids' executive function struggles make emotions even harder to manage

✔️ The #1 mistake adults make when responding to kids' emotional outbursts

✔️ How to de-escalate meltdowns by working with the child’s brain, not against it

✔️ Simple strategies to set limits without power struggles

Plus, Leslie shares practical, real-life scripts to help kids feel heard while keeping the peace at home. Tune in and transform the way you handle emotional moments!

Prefer to watch? Check it out: https://youtu.be/EjuaF-8mCsY

Homework Ideas to Rewire Your Responses to Emotional Outbursts

Start with one strategy today and see the difference! 🚀

The "WAIT" Strategy

When your child is overwhelmed, stop and ask yourself: "Why Am I Talking?"
Instead of offering solutions, just listen. Try phrases like “I’m here,” “Go on,” or “What do you need from me?”
Reflect: Did staying quiet help de-escalate the situation?

Preempt Emotional Storms with "Time & Topic"

Instead of abruptly asking your child to do something, prep them with both a time frame and the subject. Example: “Hey, I need 10 minutes of your time after dinner to talk about tomorrow’s schedule.” Watch how their response changes!

Set phone reminders to cue yourself to use this approach during daily interactions.

Identifying Your “Non-Negotiables

What behaviours are truly non-negotiable? Write them down.
Are there areas where you can offer more control without compromising your values?
Test giving your child more autonomy in one area and observe their reaction.
Have a meeting to set clear expectations while giving kids a voice in rules.

About Leslie Josel:

Leslie Josel, an award-winning ADHD-student and parenting coach, is the founder of Order Out of Chaos® – a 20+ years company whose mission is to champion parents & professionals raising neurodivergent students. She's an award-winning author of three books, creator of the award-winning “Academic Planner: A Tool for Time Management®,” and an internationally acclaimed speaker. Leslie’s been named as one of the top time management experts in the world by Global Gurus eight years in a row. And until recently, she wrote the weekly “Dear ADHD Family Coach®” column for ADDitude Magazine.

Get in touch

WEBSITE: orderoochaos.com.

SHOP SITE: for our books and videos and courses: shop.orderoochaos.com

IG: https://www.instagram.com/order.out.of.chaos/

FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/orderoutofchaos YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/orderoochaos

FREE* ONLINE VIDEO: How To Build a Successful Student: https://www.shop.orderoochaos.com/products/p/the-student-coaches-corner-how-to-build-a-successful-student-in-the-21st-century

*You will need to go through the check out process on our site to access but it is free.

Enjoying the show? Help out by rating this podcast on Apple to help others get access to this information too! apple.co/3ysFijh

Follow Dr. Caroline

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.carolinebuzanko

IG: https://www.instagram.com/dr.carolinebuzanko/

LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/dr-caroline-buzanko

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrCarolineBuzanko/

Website: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/

Resources: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/resources/articles-child-resilience-well-being-psychology/

Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

181. What’s the best way to help kids handle big feelings?

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 11 Mar 2025 06:00:33 GMT

Emotional regulation isn’t about staying calm all the time—it’s about recognizing emotions, processing them, and responding in a way that helps rather than hurts. In this episode, we break down how kids develop emotional regulation skills, why adults must model these behaviors first, and practical strategies to help children manage frustration, disappointment, and stress.

You’ll learn:

✔️ Why telling kids to “calm down” doesn’t work (and what to do instead)

✔️ How to model self-regulation in high-stress moments

✔️ The #1 mistake parents make when trying to teach emotional regulation

✔️ How to help kids recognize and name their emotions

✔️ Simple daily practices to build emotional resilience

This episode is packed with real-world examples, actionable strategies, and tools to help guide children in developing strong self-regulation skills.

Watch now and start building a calmer, more emotionally aware environment.

💡 Want to improve your own emotional regulation while teaching kids? Try these exercises!

✅ Identify Your Triggers: Write down 3-5 things that regularly cause strong emotional reactions. Pay attention to patterns.

✅ Self-Regulation Practice: Try the “Name it to tame it” technique: When emotions rise, name them out loud. ("I’m feeling frustrated right now.")

✅ Body Awareness Exercise: When you feel overwhelmed, pause. Where do you feel it? Tight chest? Clenched jaw? Learning to notice helps you regulate better.

✅ Use Scaling Questions: Next time your child is upset, instead of saying "Calm down," try: "On a scale of 1-10, how hard does this feel?" Then ask, "What would help move it down a point or two?"

✅ Address Emotions Underlying Needs: Identify a few go-to strategies when emotions run high. Check out this resource on Helping Kids Manage Emotions https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/helping-kids-manage-emotions/

🛠️ Downloadable Resources:

📌 Emotion Cards/Wheel – Helps kids name their emotions. https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/emotioncardsbodyoutlines/

📌 Emotion Regulation Strategy Chart – A printable guide to address underlying emotional needs. https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/helping-kids-manage-emotions/

📌 Self-Reflection Worksheet – Helps adults track emotional triggers and responses.

https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/adultemotionregulationselfreflection/

✨ The best way to teach emotional regulation? Master it yourself first. Start practicing today!

Enjoying the show? Help out by rating this podcast on Apple to help others get access to this information too! apple.co/3ysFijh

Follow Dr. Caroline

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.carolinebuzanko

IG: https://www.instagram.com/dr.carolinebuzanko/

LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/dr-caroline-buzanko

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrCarolineBuzanko/

Website: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/

Resources: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/resources/articles-child-resilience-well-being-psychology/

Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

180. Are you challenging kids the RIGHT way? How to find their learning sweet spot

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 04 Mar 2025 07:00:36 GMT

Finding the "Just Right" Challenge: How to Help Kids Grow Without Overwhelm

Last week, we talked about the importance of resilience and how stress plays a role in helping kids develop the skills to navigate life’s challenges. But how much challenge is too much? And how can we push kids just enough without overwhelming them?

In this episode of Overpowering Emotions, we explore the Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD)—the sweet spot where kids stretch beyond their comfort zones while still feeling supported. Think of it as the "Goldilocks Principle" for learning: not too easy, not too hard, but just right.

You'll learn:

✔️ How to recognize kids' ZPD and adjust challenges accordingly

✔️ The key difference between guiding and rescuing (and why less talking is often better!)

✔️ Why frustration and mistakes are essential for growth

✔️ Practical, real-life challenges you can use to build independence and problem-solving skills

Plus, check out below for activities designed to help kids push their limits in a way that fosters confidence, resilience, and lifelong motivation.

🎧 Listen now and start helping your kids embrace challenges with courage and curiosity!

Homework Ideas to Build Resilience & Critical Thinking

Scaling Questions → Ask kids to rate a task on a scale of 1-10 (10 = impossible). Then brainstorm ways to make it feel more manageable.
Problem-Solving Jar → Write down everyday challenges (or print out the 60 challenge ideas!) and have your child draw one each day to practice creative solutions.
Try Again Tracker → Create a simple chart where kids track how many times they try again before getting something right. Bonus points every time they learn!
“What’s Next?” → Whenever a setback happens, ask “What’s next?” instead of solving the problem for them.
Independent Decision-Making → Let your child plan a meal, run an errand, or research a new skill with minimal guidance.

👉 Check out (better yet, try out) one of these 60 challenges this week and let me know how it goes! I’d love to hear how your child is growing. https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/pushing-the-limits-zpd/

Enjoying the show? Help out by rating this podcast on Apple to help others get access to this information too! apple.co/3ysFijh

Follow Dr. Caroline

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.carolinebuzanko

IG: https://www.instagram.com/dr.carolinebuzanko/

LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/dr-caroline-buzanko

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrCarolineBuzanko/

Website: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/

Resources: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/resources/articles-child-resilience-well-being-psychology/

Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

179. How do we raise resilient kids (even when life gets tough)?

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 25 Feb 2025 07:00:46 GMT

Resilience isn’t about avoiding challenges—it’s about learning to face them. In this episode of Overpowering Emotions, we’re breaking down exactly what resilience looks like, why kids need stress and adversity to grow, and how parents and teachers can help build it in everyday life.

💪 What you’ll hear in this episode:

✔️ Why stress and failure are essential for resilience

✔️ How to stop shielding kids from challenges and start guiding them through

✔️ The best ways to model resilience so kids learn by watching

✔️ Simple, everyday activities that strengthen kids’ problem-solving and confidence

✔️ A fun family activity to track resilience growth over time

💡 Your Challenge: Start Small, Build Strong

This week, focus on small ways to let kids experience, process, and overcome everyday challenges. Here are some simple activities to get started:

✅ Resilience Jar – Write down moments of resilience (big or small) and add them to a jar. Review regularly as a family to celebrate growth.

✅ What’s Next? – When a challenge arises, ask, “What’s next?” instead of jumping in to fix it. This shifts focus to problem-solving.

✅ Weekly Challenge – Encourage kids to tackle something slightly outside their comfort zone each week, then reflect on what they learned.

✅ Responsibility Role – Give kids an age-appropriate task to manage entirely on their own (e.g., planning a meal, organizing a school project).

✅ Normalize Mistakes – When a child makes a mistake, replace “Don’t worry, I’ll fix it” with “What do you think you can do about this?”

Looking for more challenges? Check out these ideas! https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/building-resilience-activities-kids/

Enjoying the show? Help out by rating this podcast on Apple to help others get access to this information too! apple.co/3ysFijh

Follow Dr. Caroline

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.carolinebuzanko

IG: https://www.instagram.com/dr.carolinebuzanko/

LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/dr-caroline-buzanko

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrCarolineBuzanko/

Website: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/

Resources: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/resources/articles-child-resilience-well-being-psychology/

Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

178. Are we raising confident kids—or just keeping them (overly) safe?

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 18 Feb 2025 07:00:00 GMT

Today on Overpowering Emotions, Dr. Caroline chats with Justyna Bronski, a life coach and former high school math teacher, to explore the emotional challenges teens face today.

From identity struggles to social media pressures, Justyna shares how parents and educators can create an environment where teens feel truly heard, valued, and empowered.

You’ll learn:

✅ Why today’s teens feel disconnected (despite being more "connected" than ever)

✅ How social media influences identity and emotional avoidance

✅ Simple ways to help teens build confidence and emotional awareness

✅ Why embracing mistakes is key to growth—and how to model it for kids

✅ The power of stepping outside comfort zones (for both teens and parents!)

PLUS: Justyna reveals why parents need to focus on their own emotional well-being first—and how that transformation impacts their kids.

Homework Ideas:

Self-Reflection: Identify moments where your own emotions impact your interactions with kids. Write down one personal trigger and explore where it comes from.
Validation Challenge: Go one full day without offering solutions to your teen’s concerns—just listen and validate their feelings.
Step Outside Comfort Zones: Pick one new experience to try (preferably with your teen). Discuss the emotions it brings up.
Mistake Modelling: Share a personal failure with your teen and discuss how you learned from it.

Check out Justyna's free video training series: Freebie: What Your Teen Want You to Know ( But Does Not Know How To Ask)

About Justyna:

Justyna is a former high school teacher with 15 years of experience, during which she gained unique insights into the minds and hearts of hundreds of teens. Now a dedicated life coach for teens, she specializes in helping them navigate overwhelming emotions, build a positive self-image, and foster meaningful relationships. Justyna has also worked as a coach for educators, empowering teachers with strategies to better support their students. Her passion is guiding teens to uncover their authentic selves and thrive emotionally and socially.

Website: www.justynabronski.com

Enjoying the show? Help out by rating this podcast on Apple to help others get access to this information too! apple.co/3ysFijh

Follow Dr. Caroline

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.carolinebuzanko

IG: https://www.instagram.com/dr.carolinebuzanko/

LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/dr-caroline-buzanko

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrCarolineBuzanko/

Website: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/

Resources: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/resources/articles-child-resilience-well-being-psychology/

Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

177. How do we help kids feel loved and connected?

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 11 Feb 2025 07:00:51 GMT

Love isn’t just about grand gestures—it’s in the little everyday moments that build connection, trust, and self-worth. In this special Valentine’s episode of Overpowering Emotions, I discuss how to strengthen relationships with kindness, compassion, and understanding.

💖 What you’ll hear in this episode:

✔️ The key to making sure kids actually feel loved

✔️ How to figure out your child’s love language (and why it matters)

✔️ Simple ways to help kids express love and gratitude

✔️ The one mistake that can block connection (and how to fix it)

✔️ Easy, fun activities to bring more love into your family

And don’t miss the homework challenge to strengthen kids' sense of belonging!

💡 Your Challenge: Discover Your Child’s Love Language

This week, observe how your child shows love. That’s often a clue to how they prefer to receive it. Then, talk about love languages together and brainstorm ways to fill their "love tank."

Try These Activities:

1️⃣ Shower of Love – One family member sits while others walk around them for 2 minutes, listing all the reasons they love and appreciate them.

2️⃣ Compliment Circle – Each person takes turns giving a meaningful compliment to the person on their right.

3️⃣ Random Acts of Love Jar – Family members write down small, meaningful acts they’d love to receive (e.g., “Read me a story,” “Write me a note”). Draw one each week to complete for someone else.

4️⃣ Love Language Day – Dedicate a day to practicing each family member’s love language. If someone’s love language is physical touch, make time for extra hugs that day.

5️⃣ Gratitude Board – Write down one thing you appreciate about a family member each day and reflect on it together at the end of the week.

6️⃣ Gratitude Letters – Write a letter to someone sharing specific reasons why you’re grateful for them.

Enjoying the show? Help out by rating this podcast on Apple to help others get access to this information too! apple.co/3ysFijh

Follow Dr. Caroline

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.carolinebuzanko

IG: https://www.instagram.com/dr.carolinebuzanko/

LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/dr-caroline-buzanko

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrCarolineBuzanko/

Website: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/

Resources: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/resources/articles-child-resilience-well-being-psychology/

Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

176. What’s the secret to turning chaos into calm?

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 04 Feb 2025 07:00:37 GMT

Are stress and reactivity running the show?

Today on Overpowering Emotions, Dr. Caroline chats with parenting expert Linda Clement to uncover how survival brains hijack our emotions and what we can do to bring calm and connection back into focus. Linda shares simple, science-backed strategies to quiet the stress response and reignite creativity, empathy, and resilience in kids and adults alike. Discover how subtle shifts in your approach can create big changes in emotional well-being and behavior.

This conversation offers practical tools that parents, teachers, and anyone working with children can use immediately to foster emotional safety and healthier relationships. Learn how to tune into the body, rewire the brain for calm, and lead by example so kids can thrive in today’s high-pressure world.

Resources:

https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/emotioncardsbodyoutlines/

https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/understanding-emotions-and-needs/

https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/helping-kids-manage-emotions/

Homework Ideas:

Body Awareness Check-In: At the start and end of the day, pause for 30 seconds to notice what your body feels like. Are your shoulders tense? Is your breathing shallow? Share this practice with your kids or students and ask them to describe their own body signals.

Finger Sensory Practice: Teach kids how to focus their attention by gently rubbing their fingertips together. Show them how to notice the sensations and use this as a reset tool when emotions run high.

Emotion Mapping: Create an "emotion wheel" that matches feelings with physical sensations (e.g., frustration = tight chest, excitement = butterflies). Use it to help kids identify what they’re experiencing in real-time.

Name Your Triggers: Write down a list of common stress triggers. Discuss how each of you feels when faced with those triggers and brainstorm calming strategies together.

Daily Gratitude Game: Everyday, take turns sharing one thing that made you feel safe or happy that day. This reinforces connection and encourages kids to focus on positive experiences.

Connect Through Storytelling: Share a time when you felt scared or stressed and how you calmed yourself down. Encourage kids to share their own stories and celebrate their efforts to manage big emotions.

"Toe Finder" Challenge: During a moment of overwhelm, guide kids to focus on their feet and notice their toes. This quick exercise helps ground them and redirects their attention to the present.

Mirror Emotional Words: Start describing emotions you notice in yourself and your child throughout the day (“You seem frustrated right now” or “I feel excited about this!”). This models emotional literacy and normalizes feelings.

Thrive Brain Reset Jar: Create a jar with small slips of paper listing sensory grounding activities (e.g., "Take a deep breath and count to five," "Find five red things in the room"). When stress spikes, pull a slip and complete the activity together.

About Linda

Linda flips the script on parenting, from tips and tricks to "get" them to obey, listen, mind, do what they're told, etc... to listening, supporting, encouraging and nurturing them, instead. Transforming families from conflict and chaos to peaceful and cooperative through confidential parent coaching. Linda has been helping families reach their own goals since 2002. Author of 3 parenting books, Linda earned her Skilled Communicator designation in 2011 with the organization that was originally Toastmistresses. As a softball umpire for 17 years, she is neutral and observant, quickly seeing the key pieces of a family's struggles.

Get in touch with Linda

Email: Lindaclement@raisingparents.net

FB: www.facebook.com/linda.clement.733/

IG: www.instagram.com/raising_parents_inc

Website: www.raisingparents.net

https://subscribepage.io/mentalfitnessrecorded

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Follow Dr. Caroline

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IG: https://www.instagram.com/dr.carolinebuzanko/

LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/dr-caroline-buzanko

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrCarolineBuzanko/

Website: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/

Resources: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/resources/articles-child-resilience-well-being-psychology/

Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

175. How can kids manage their emotions in real-time?

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 28 Jan 2025 07:00:18 GMT

Today on Overpowering Emotions, we’re talking about what happens after kids learn to name their emotions. Understanding feelings is just the start—helping children manage those emotions is where the magic happens. Discover how emotions influence perception, behaviour, and decision-making, and learn simple, effective strategies to help kids build emotional regulation skills. Learn about practical tools and interactive activities that connect emotions to the body to help kids to navigate their feelings with confidence and clarity.

Homework Ideas to Support Kids’ Emotional Growth:

Daily Mood Check-Ins – Ask your child, “Is your energy high or low? Do you feel pleasant or unpleasant?” Practice this at various points during the day to normalize emotional awareness.
Emotion Charades – Act out emotions and have kids guess. This strengthens emotional vocabulary and makes it fun.
Mood Jar – Use a clear jar and different colored pom-poms (or beads) for each emotional quadrant. Let kids add to the jar daily based on how they feel.
Emotion Dance Party – Play different songs and have kids express emotions through movement. Reflect on how their body felt during each type of music.
Body Scans – Guide kids through a body check-in. Ask if their heart is racing, breathing is shallow, or if they feel light and calm. This builds awareness of physical emotional cues.
Create an Emotion Toolkit – Work with your child to list activities that help shift moods. Keep this toolkit visible.

Resources:

Emotion Wheel & Body Outline
Understanding Emotions Worksheet
Helping Kids Manage Emotions Worksheet
Mood Meter: Find it on the How We Feel app!

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Follow Dr. Caroline

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.carolinebuzanko

IG: https://www.instagram.com/dr.carolinebuzanko/

LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/dr-caroline-buzanko

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrCarolineBuzanko/

Website: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/

Resources: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/resources/articles-child-resilience-well-being-psychology/

Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

174. How do emotions shape behaviour in kids?

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 21 Jan 2025 07:00:11 GMT

Today on Overpowering Emotions I discuss how to guide kids in recognizing, accepting, and channeling their feelings to make better decisions and develop stronger emotional intelligence.

I provide lots of practical strategies and actionable tools for emotional check-ins so you leave with concrete steps to create calm, confident, and emotionally aware kids.

Tune in for insights on how emotions shape behavior and how simple shifts can lead to lasting emotional growth.

Homework Ideas:

Daily Emotional Check-ins. Practice asking, “How does your body feel right now? Is your energy high or low? Do you feel pleasant or unpleasant?

Emotion Wheel Activity: Create or print an emotion wheel. Have your child spin and share a memory related to the emotion it lands on.

Mood Jar. Use colored pom-poms or beads to represent emotions at the end of each day.

Body Scan Exercise. Guide kids through quick check-ins: “How does your chest feel? Is your heart racing or slow? How is your breathing?

Emotion Dance Party. Play different types of music and encourage kids to move based on how the music makes them feel.

By incorporating these simple but effective practices into daily routines, you’ll nurture emotional intelligence in your kids while creating opportunities for reflection, connection, and growth.

Enjoying the show? Help out by rating this podcast on Apple to help others get access to this information too! apple.co/3ysFijh

Follow Dr. Caroline

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.carolinebuzanko

IG: https://www.instagram.com/dr.carolinebuzanko/

LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/dr-caroline-buzanko

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrCarolineBuzanko/

Website: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/

Resources: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/resources/articles-child-resilience-well-being-psychology/

Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

173. Is kids' anxiety hiding in plain sight? And how do we help?

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 14 Jan 2025 07:00:00 GMT

Anxiety in kids and teens doesn’t always look like panic attacks or overt distress. Often, it hides behind stomach aches, perfectionism, or school avoidance. In this episode, I chat with anxiety coach Monica Crnogorac about recognizing the subtle signs of anxiety in teens and understanding how it can manifest.

We also discuss practical strategies for:

• Supporting teens in managing overwhelming emotions.

• Helping them build resilience without becoming dependent on constant reassurance.

• Using effective communication to create a safe space for open dialogue.

Monica also shares her personal journey with high-functioning anxiety, offering insights into how parents can model healthy behaviours and foster emotional strength in their teens.

Listen now to gain the tools and understanding you need to support the teens in your life.

Prefer to watch? https://youtu.be/EbS2ksJ_kDI

About Monica

Monica is a Certified Life & Wellness Coach who helps teens and young adults manage anxiety and overwhelm that disrupt their daily lives. She also hosts the Parenting Anxious Teens podcast, where she connects with parents and shares strategies to better support their teens. Monica offers a free giveaway for both parents and teens when they subscribe to her email list, providing valuable resources and insights to help manage anxiety and foster resilience.

Where to find her

Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/parenting-anxious-teens-parenting-teens-managing-teen/id1757142421

Website: https://www.consciouscoach.biz/

IG: https://www.instagram.com/__consciouscoach/

Enjoying the show? Help out by rating this podcast on Apple to help others get access to this information too! apple.co/3ysFijh

Follow Dr. Caroline

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IG: https://www.instagram.com/dr.carolinebuzanko/

LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/dr-caroline-buzanko

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrCarolineBuzanko/

Website: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/

Resources: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/resources/articles-child-resilience-well-being-psychology/

Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

172. Why is Emotional Intelligence important and how do you know if kids have it?

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 07 Jan 2025 16:00:52 GMT

In this episode of Overpowering Emotions, I dive back into emotional intelligence (EI) as the foundation for resilience. Discover why teaching kids to recognize and manage their emotions is far more impactful than simply correcting behaviour.

I dig even deeper than before, so this will cover a few episodes Today I break down the four branches of EI and share practical strategies to help kids build self-awareness, empathy, and emotional regulation. This is the first step in our journey to continue nurturing emotional resilience in the year to come.

Ideas to work on this week:

Model Emotional Awareness: Regularly name and express your emotions in front of kids to normalize emotional conversations. When frustrations arise, model taking a deep breath or stepping away momentarily. Narrate this to help kids understand the importance of pausing and responding thoughtfully.
Emotion Check-Ins: Set up daily or weekly emotion check-ins with kids. Use simple prompts like, “How are you feeling today and why?”
Labeling Emotions: Encourage kids to identify and name their emotions during different situations, both positive and challenging.
Gratitude Practice: Start a daily gratitude ritual by asking kids to name three things they are grateful for.

Key Points covered:

Emotional Intelligence (EI) is essential for raising resilient kids.
Identifying strong EI skills in kids.
EI focuses on recognizing, understanding, and managing emotions in oneself and others.
Emotional regulation helps prevent meltdowns, sibling conflicts, and frustration.
The four branches of EI include:

Perceiving Emotions
Facilitating Thought with Emotions
Understanding Emotions
Managing Emotions

Strong EI correlates with better relationships, empathy, and confidence in kids.
Modeling EI as adults is crucial to teaching it effectively.
Simple practices like labeling emotions, gratitude exercises, and role-playing help foster EI.

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Follow Dr. Caroline

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.carolinebuzanko

IG: https://www.instagram.com/dr.carolinebuzanko/

LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/dr-caroline-buzanko

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrCarolineBuzanko/

Website: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/

Resources: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/resources/articles-child-resilience-well-being-psychology/

Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

171. How can we help kids set resilience goals?

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 31 Dec 2024 11:32:48 GMT

As this year comes to a close, it is important for kids to reflect on their growth and set meaningful resilience goals for the year ahead. From celebrating small victories to creating intentions that feel manageable and encouraging, I cover actionable ways to support kids in becoming more confident and capable. Tune in for simple strategies to spark important conversations and foster resilience that lasts.

Enjoying the show? Help out by rating this podcast on Apple to help others get access to this information too! apple.co/3ysFijh

Follow Dr. Caroline

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.carolinebuzanko

IG: https://www.instagram.com/dr.carolinebuzanko/

LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/dr-caroline-buzanko

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrCarolineBuzanko/

Website: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/

Resources: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/resources/articles-child-resilience-well-being-psychology/

Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

170. How can strong relationships build lifelong resilience in kids?

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 24 Dec 2024 07:00:33 GMT

In this episode of Overpowering Emotions, I revisit the foundational elements of raising resilient kids just in time for the holiday season. Learn how to create strong connections with your children through warmth, validation, and intentional interactions. Discover why secure attachments are crucial for emotional regulation and lifelong success and gain actionable tips to strengthen bonds during the holidays. With practical strategies like active listening, validating emotions, and embracing fun, this episode will empower you to nurture confident, resilient kids while fostering joy and connection as a family.

🎧 Don’t miss the end-of-episode homework to help you build meaningful connections today!

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Follow Dr. Caroline

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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrCarolineBuzanko/

Website: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/

Resources: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/resources/articles-child-resilience-well-being-psychology/

Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

169. How can we turn holiday chaos into resilience?

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 17 Dec 2024 07:00:28 GMT

The holidays can be a mix of joy and stress. In this special episode of Overpowering Emotions, we explore practical ways to strengthen resilience during the busiest time of the year. From setting realistic expectations to practicing gratitude and mindfulness, you’ll discover how to create meaningful moments, manage family dynamics, and build lasting traditions. Learn how to turn holiday challenges into growth opportunities for your family while staying focused on what truly matters.

Bonus: actionable tips and homework to help you and your kids reflect on the resilience built over the past year.

🎧 Tune in now to make this holiday season more connected and fulfilling.

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Follow Dr. Caroline

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LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/dr-caroline-buzanko

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrCarolineBuzanko/

Website: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/

Resources: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/resources/articles-child-resilience-well-being-psychology/

Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

168. What is a key skill needed for emotional resilience? 2024 recap

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 10 Dec 2024 07:00:00 GMT

Today on Overpowering Emotions I recap a key skill in building emotional resilience. A key way to manage emotions during stress, foster mindfulness, and encourage kids to tackle challenges head-on. Learn how to help your children build their resilience toolkit, face unpredictable moments, and embrace growth through adversity. Plus, this week’s reflective homework will help kids recognize how far they’ve come.

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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrCarolineBuzanko/

Website: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/

Resources: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/resources/articles-child-resilience-well-being-psychology/

Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

167. Is focusing on kids feelings too much making things worse? Part 2

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 03 Dec 2024 07:00:31 GMT

Today on Overpowering Emotions: Part 2 of why over-focusing on children’s emotions might do more harm than good (recast from the podcast, Parents of the Year). We also discuss practical strategies for helping kids navigate life’s ups and downs without being overwhelmed by their feelings.

Tune in for another insightful conversation on fostering independence and emotional strength in your children.

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Follow Dr. Caroline

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Website: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/

Resources: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/resources/articles-child-resilience-well-being-psychology/

Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

166. Is focusing on kids' feelings making things worse? Part 1

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 26 Nov 2024 07:01:00 GMT

Today on Overpowering Emotions I decided to recast a two-part series from Parents of the Year where Andrew and I talked about how an overemphasis on children’s feelings might be doing more harm than good. This is part 1.

While it’s crucial to acknowledge and respect our kids' feelings, constantly focusing on their emotional states can inadvertently lead to dependency and a lack of resilience. Join us as we unpack the potential pitfalls of emotion-centric parenting in part one of this series and discuss why stepping back and letting kids navigate their feelings independently might be the key to raising more capable, confident adults.

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Follow Dr. Caroline

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Resources: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/resources/articles-child-resilience-well-being-psychology/

Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

165. How can sounds help kids recognize and manage big emotions?

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 19 Nov 2024 07:00:42 GMT

In this episode of Overpowering Emotions, Caroline welcomes special guest Bridgette Melton, an educator, children's author, and trauma resilience expert, to discuss a unique approach to emotion recognition through auditory awareness.

Drawing from her book Arnold's Silent Heart, Bridgette shares how children can learn to recognize and process their emotions by associating them with sounds, offering a new tool for emotional regulation.

Together, they explore the importance of helping kids identify their feelings without judgment and the role of auditory cues in fostering resilience. Tune in to learn practical strategies for empowering children with emotional tools that can help them navigate life's challenges.

Prefer to watch? https://youtu.be/iNbvUgbhLeM

About Bridget

Bridgette is a former early childhood and kindergarten teacher. She holds a Master’s in Psychology and is a Certified Trauma and Resilience Practitioner. Importantly, she is a mom of two, which drives her passion for helping kids learn emotional recognition and regulation. Bridgette is trauma-informed and loves helping kids overcome trauma with resiliency. Her first children's book Arnold's Silent Heart embodies her concept, Emotional Recognition through Auditory Awareness. Bridgette believes in the power of small actions to create significant ripples of positive change.

Bonus!

Use this code: podcast24 for 10% off book purchases at: https://www.bridgettemelton.com/shop

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Follow Dr. Caroline

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IG: https://www.instagram.com/dr.carolinebuzanko/

LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/dr-caroline-buzanko

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrCarolineBuzanko/

Website: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/

Resources: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/resources/articles-child-resilience-well-being-psychology/

Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

164. Is breaking up positive experiences they key to long-lasting joy?

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 12 Nov 2024 07:00:35 GMT

In this episode of Overpowering Emotions, we dive into the brain's natural ability to adapt to stimuli, known as habituation, and how it can be used to enhance positive experiences while managing unpleasant ones. Dr. Caroline Buzanko shares practical tips for breaking up enjoyable moments to boost long-term happiness and for pushing through tough tasks without taking breaks. From handling anxiety to building resilience in kids, this episode provides actionable strategies for improving emotional regulation and making daily life feel more vibrant.

Homework: Learn how to break up enjoyable activities for maximum benefit and help kids power through tough tasks. Try simple strategies at home or in the classroom to shake up routines and make everyday moments more memorable!

Enjoying the show? Help out by rating this podcast on Apple to help others get access to this information too! apple.co/3ysFijh

Follow Dr. Caroline

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.carolinebuzanko

IG: https://www.instagram.com/dr.carolinebuzanko/

LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/dr-caroline-buzanko

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrCarolineBuzanko/

Website: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/

Resources: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/resources/articles-child-resilience-well-being-psychology/

Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

163. How can structured activities boost emotional resilience?

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 05 Nov 2024 07:00:28 GMT

In this episode of Overpowering Emotions, Dr. Caroline is joined by award-winning choreographer and dance educator Leslie Kuny. Together, they explore the connection between structured activities, risk-taking, and resilience in children and teens. Leslie shares her insights on how these activities, like dance, can be transformative, teaching kids to embrace challenges, take healthy risks, and build a growth mindset.

Tune in to learn how letting experts guide the way can empower young people to set realistic expectations, overcome setbacks, and develop resilience that goes beyond the dance floor or playing field, equipping them with skills for life.

Prefer to watch on YouTube?

About Leslie Kuny

Leslie Cooney is an award-winning choreographer, dance educator, and co-founder of Ignite Dance Center in Surrey, British Columbia. With over 20 years of experience, Leslie brings a unique blend of honest feedback and joy to her teaching, fostering supportive and empowering environments for dancers. A graduate of Grant MacEwan and Simon Fraser University's Dance programs, she is also a Level 2 certified Adjudicator with Canadian Dance Leadership and a member of the Professional Adjudicators Alliance. Leslie passionately rejects outdated norms of dance education rooted in shame and guilt, believing that dance is not just an art form but a training ground for life. Her human-first approach, rooted in humor and joy, empowers dancers to achieve greatness on and off the stage. A published author in the collaborative book Pursuit 365: Business Edition, Leslie loves to travel with her husband and has a deep-seated love for musical theatre and comedy.

Connect with Leslie

Instagram @lesliekuny

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/lesliekuny/

lesliekuny@gmail.com

lesliekuny.com

Enjoying the show? Help out by rating this podcast on Apple to help others get access to this information too! apple.co/3ysFijh

Follow Dr. Caroline

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LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/dr-caroline-buzanko

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrCarolineBuzanko/

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Resources: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/resources/articles-child-resilience-well-being-psychology/

Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

162. Are we pushing kids to be perfectionists?

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 29 Oct 2024 06:00:28 GMT

Perfectionism can silently shape how kids see themselves, and it often starts with the expectations we unintentionally set. In this episode of Overpowering Emotions, Dr. Caroline Buzanko breaks down how even well-meaning actions can send kids the wrong message, tying their self-worth to performance instead of effort. From focusing too much on results to setting unrealistic behavioural expectations, we’re diving into the subtle ways perfectionism takes root and what we can do to stop it.

Learn practical strategies to celebrate progress, validate emotions, and create a healthier family dynamic.

Challenge this week: Let go of nagging and fixing and start praising effort over results. Small changes can make a big difference!

Enjoying the show? Help out by rating this podcast on Apple to help others get access to this information too! apple.co/3ysFijh

Follow Dr. Caroline

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.carolinebuzanko

IG: https://www.instagram.com/dr.carolinebuzanko/

LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/dr-caroline-buzanko

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrCarolineBuzanko/

Website: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/

Resources: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/resources/articles-child-resilience-well-being-psychology/

Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

161. Are we accidentally teaching kids to be perfectionists?

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 22 Oct 2024 06:00:00 GMT

Today on #OverpoweringEmotions, Dr. Caroline discusses how parental perfectionism spills over to kids, creating a cycle of anxiety, fear of failure, and unrealistic expectations.

Dr. Caroline shares personal insights on recognizing perfectionist tendencies in ourselves, the negative effects on kids, and, most importantly, practical ways to break this cycle. Learn how to model self-compassion, celebrate mistakes, and focus on progress, not perfection, for a healthier family dynamic.

Enjoying the show? Help out by rating this podcast on Apple to help others get access to this information too! apple.co/3ysFijh

Follow Dr. Caroline

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.carolinebuzanko

IG: https://www.instagram.com/dr.carolinebuzanko/

LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/dr-caroline-buzanko

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrCarolineBuzanko/

Website: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/

Resources: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/resources/articles-child-resilience-well-being-psychology/

Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

160. How can kids master their emotions like pro athletes?

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 15 Oct 2024 06:00:00 GMT

In this episode of Overpowering Emotions, we continue our journey beyond perfectionism and discuss how to help kids use those perfectionistic, binary, all-or-nothing thoughts to their advantage.

I share insights from sports psychology to help kids stop freezing up under pressure and instead focus on what they can control—effort, action, and showing up.

Learn how to turn rigid thinking into growth opportunities by asking the right questions, celebrating small wins, and setting realistic, manageable steps. Discover simple strategies to help kids build resilience and confidence, not by avoiding failure but by embracing every experience as a chance to learn.

Prefer to watch on YouTube?

And, check out this week’s homework to help kids use perfectionism’s rigid, binary thinking to become more flexible. Choose at least one task to model and reinforce these concepts throughout the week.

Reframe the Questions You Ask

Instead of asking outcome-focused questions like “Did you get a goal?” or “What was your grade?”, shift to questions that emphasize effort and participation. Use prompts like “Did you enjoy playing?” or “How did you feel about your effort today?” This helps children focus on their involvement and personal growth rather than just the final result.

Create “Did You or Did You Not” Targets

Identify everyday tasks where the outcome can be defined simply as “Did you or did you not?” For instance, “Did you play the game?” rather than “Did you win?” or “Did you hand in your assignment?” instead of “Did you get it perfect?” At this point of learning to manage perfectionism, simplifying goals helps reduce pressure by focusing on participation and completion rather than perfection.

Model Binary Thinking with Your Own Tasks

Demonstrate this shift in thinking with your own tasks. Verbalize your actions aloud. Children learn a lot from observing adults. Modeling this thinking reinforces the approach in real-life contexts.

Set Up “Try Something New” Challenges

Encourage the child to try something new each week where the focus is purely on participation. Examples include trying a new hobby, playing a game, or attempting a new skill. This builds resilience and shows kids that trying is valuable, regardless of immediate success.

Enjoying the show? Help out by rating this podcast on Apple to help others get access to this information too! apple.co/3ysFijh

Follow Dr. Caroline

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.carolinebuzanko

IG: https://www.instagram.com/dr.carolinebuzanko/

LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/dr-caroline-buzanko

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrCarolineBuzanko/

Website: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/

Resources: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/resources/articles-child-resilience-well-being-psychology/

Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

159. Are kids stuck in a perfectionist loop? Help them break free!

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 08 Oct 2024 06:00:00 GMT

In this episode of Overpowering Emotions, Dr. Caroline goes deeper into the practical side of overcoming perfectionism with a focus on procedural thinking.

She shares actionable steps to help kids break free from the overwhelming need to be perfect by shifting their mindset to “What’s next?”

Learn how to guide children through breaking tasks into manageable steps, using reflective questions, celebrating effort, and embracing the journey of trial and error.

This episode is packed with tips to foster resilience, adaptability, and a love of learning, helping kids stay focused on progress rather than perfection. Tune in to discover simple yet powerful ways to help children keep moving forward!

Prefer to watch? Check out the episode on YouTube!

And, to help kids shift away from perfectionism and embrace procedural thinking, choose at least one of these practical homework activities this week.

Break Tasks into Manageable Steps

Choose a task your child is struggling with or avoiding. Work with them to break it down into smaller, sequential steps. Use visual aids like Post-its, a checklist, or a step-by-step plan on paper. This approach makes overwhelming tasks feel achievable and helps kids stay focused on one step at a time, reducing anxiety.

Practice Low-Stakes Problem-Solving

Engage in activities like board games, puzzles, or building blocks where mistakes happen frequently. Use these moments to practice the “What’s next?” mindset. When a mistake occurs, gently prompt, “What’s next?” to keep the momentum going. This will build familiarity with the “What’s next?” approach in a fun, low-pressure setting, making it easier to apply in more stressful situations.

If they want, have them make a “What’s Next?” visual and display it where they often face challenges. This keeps their focus on the next action rather than getting stuck in self-criticism or rumination.

Model “What’s Next?” in Your Own Life

Verbally model your problem-solving when you face setbacks or mistakes. Share your thought process aloud, such as, “I made an error in this recipe—what’s next? I’ll adjust and try again.” Involve your child in finding solutions when appropriate. Doing so demonstrates resilience and flexibility, showing kids that mistakes are normal and manageable.

End-of-Day Reflection

At the end of each day, ask your child to reflect on any mistakes they made and, importantly, what they did next. Discuss how using “What’s next?” helped them move forward. These reflections reinforce the habit of focusing on actionable steps and acknowledge their resilience and perseverance.

Enjoying the show? Help out by rating this podcast on Apple to help others get access to this information too! apple.co/3ysFijh

Follow Dr. Caroline

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.carolinebuzanko

IG: https://www.instagram.com/dr.carolinebuzanko/

LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/dr-caroline-buzanko

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrCarolineBuzanko/

Website: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/

Resources: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/resources/articles-child-resilience-well-being-psychology/

Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

158. Is this the ONE thing sabotaging a child's mental health?

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 01 Oct 2024 06:00:49 GMT

In this episode of Overpowering Emotions, we’re tackling the one thing that can completely sabotage a child's mental health.

Perfectionism. Today, we explore what it looks like, where it comes from, and how it impacts their emotional well-being. We break down the difference between healthy striving and unhealthy perfectionism, and why it’s so important for children to learn that mistakes are not just okay, but a necessary part of growth.

Learn how perfectionistic thinking traps kids in anxiety, procrastination, and avoidance, and discover practical strategies to help them shift to a healthier mindset. This episode is packed with actionable tips to support kids in becoming resilient, confident learners who embrace challenges and find joy in the process.

And, be sure to check out these homework activities discussed in the episode to help shift perfectionistic thinking and promote a healthier mindset in children.

Model Imperfection in Everyday Life

Start narrating your own mistakes aloud in front of your child. For instance, if you burn dinner, talk through it: “Oops, I got distracted. That’s okay—I’ll adjust and keep going.” Show them how you cope with errors calmly.

Celebrate Mistakes as Learning Opportunities

Create a “Mistake of the Day” tradition. Encourage everyone to share their mistakes and what they learned from them. Turn it into a fun and positive experience by celebrating these moments.

Prefer to watch? Check it out on YouTube!

Enjoying the show? Help out by rating this podcast on Apple to help others get access to this information too! apple.co/3ysFijh

Follow Dr. Caroline

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.carolinebuzanko

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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrCarolineBuzanko/

Website: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/

Resources: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/resources/articles-child-resilience-well-being-psychology/

Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

157. Beyond the Illusion: How can our kids find true resilience and well-being?

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 24 Sep 2024 06:00:25 GMT

Today on Overpowering Emotions join Dr. Caroline with special guest Chana Studley, a remarkable figure who transitioned from a Hollywood special effects artist to a leading trauma and addiction counsellor. Chana shares her unique journey from creating illusions in film to unraveling the illusions of the mind, her innovative approach to therapy, and the realization that we are never truly broken.

Learn how Chana uses her background in special effects to explain how our minds create illusions of fear and anxiety and discover practical strategies to discover our innate resilience.

About Chana

Chana Studley is a trauma counselolr with over 30 years experience. She has written 3 books. Her latest book, Very Well, was an Amazon #1 best seller. Chana is passionate about pointing people back to their own innate well-being and showing her clients that no one is ever broken.

Connect with Chana Studley:

Website: http://chanastudley.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chanastudley
Email: info@chanastudley.com

Chana's 3 books are all on Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/Very-Well-novel-about-hormones/dp/B0BV4LSCFQ

https://www.amazon.com/Painless-novel-Chronic-Mind-Body-Connection/dp/B08PM27MJF

https://www.amazon.com/Myth-Low-Self-Esteem-Hollywood-healing/dp/1790894573

Enjoying the show? Help out by rating this podcast on Apple to help others get access to this information too! apple.co/3ysFijh

Follow Dr. Caroline

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.carolinebuzanko

IG: https://www.instagram.com/dr.carolinebuzanko/

LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/dr-caroline-buzanko

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrCarolineBuzanko/

Website: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/

Resources: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/resources/articles-child-resilience-well-being-psychology/

Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

156. How can we handle school avoidance? Part 3

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 17 Sep 2024 06:00:26 GMT

In this concluding episode of this series on managing school avoidance, Dr. Caroline wraps up the school avoidance discussion by focusing on the essential skills students need to acquire and the processes that must be implemented to ensure a successful return to school.

If you haven’t yet listened to the previous episodes, be sure to catch up. In those episodes, Dr. Caroline laid the foundation for student success by exploring the key considerations for creating a supportive environment and equipping adults with effective strategies to respond to anxiety.

Today Dr. Caroline discusses the practical skills and actionable steps that are critical for helping students overcome school avoidance and thrive in their academic journey.

For those looking to gain a deeper understanding of how to conduct a functional analysis and design an effective re-entry plan, check out Dr. Caroline's School Refusal training. https://bit.ly/managing-school-refusal

Enjoying the show? Help out by rating this podcast on Apple to help others get access to this information too! apple.co/3ysFijh

Follow Dr. Caroline

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.carolinebuzanko

IG: https://www.instagram.com/dr.carolinebuzanko/

LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/dr-caroline-buzanko

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrCarolineBuzanko/

Website: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/

Resources: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/resources/articles-child-resilience-well-being-psychology/

Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

155. How can we handle school avoidance? Part 2

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 10 Sep 2024 06:00:26 GMT

Today on Overpowering Emotions, I continue part two of this series on school avoidance, focusing on treatment considerations.

I emphasize the need for a comprehensive, home- and school-based approach to effectively address the complex needs of students, families, and schools and an optimal environment for students to thrive.

Tune in to identify any unaddressed needs that could hinder kids' progress. This episode sets the stage for our upcoming discussion, where I will explore the essential skills students need to develop, along with strategies for crafting tailored re-entry plans.

And, be sure to check out my School Refusal training, where you will learn even more to help kids be successful: https://bit.ly/managing-school-refusal

Enjoying the show? Help out by rating this podcast on Apple to help others get access to this information too! apple.co/3ysFijh

Follow Dr. Caroline

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.carolinebuzanko

IG: https://www.instagram.com/dr.carolinebuzanko/

LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/dr-caroline-buzanko

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrCarolineBuzanko/

Website: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/

Resources: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/resources/articles-child-resilience-well-being-psychology/

Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

154. What do we do when kids refuse to go to school? Part 1

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 03 Sep 2024 06:00:26 GMT

Today on Overpowering Emotions, Dr. Caroline discusses a hard topic: school-avoidant behaviours.

This is a three-part series, as school avoidance is a complex issue that demands a comprehensive approach.

In the first part of this series, Dr. Caroline lays the foundational principles necessary to support students on their journey toward overcoming school avoidance. This issue is more than just a challenge; it's a crisis that, if left unaddressed, can leave students vulnerable to a range of risks, including social, emotional, psychological, and physical well-being.

Want to learn even more? Be sure to check out my school refusal workshop! https://bit.ly/managing-school-refusal

Enjoying the show? Help out by rating this podcast on Apple to help others get access to this information too! apple.co/3ysFijh

Follow Dr. Caroline

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.carolinebuzanko

IG: https://www.instagram.com/dr.carolinebuzanko/

LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/dr-caroline-buzanko

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrCarolineBuzanko/

Website: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/

Resources: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/resources/articles-child-resilience-well-being-psychology/

Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

153. How do we manage separation anxiety?

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 27 Aug 2024 06:00:50 GMT

While it's completely normal for young children to experience separation anxiety, when these feelings persist into the elementary years and beyond, it may indicate a more serious concern. This is particularly true when anxiety starts interfering with everyday activities, such as attending school or socializing with friends.

To effectively support your child, it's crucial to avoid common pitfalls like allowing avoidance or providing excessive reassurance, as these can unintentionally reinforce anxiety rather than alleviate it.

In today’s episode of Overpowering Emotions, I revisit these challenges and share a more effective approach. It’s vital for children to learn how to navigate these uncomfortable emotions, empowering them to take control of their anxiety and build resilience.

Tune in to discover how to create a supportive environment that fosters emotional growth and helps children manage separation anxiety in a constructive way.

By understanding and addressing separation anxiety, you are taking a critical step toward helping kids develop a foundation of emotional resilience that will benefit them throughout their lives.

Enjoying the show? Help out by rating this podcast on Apple to help others get access to this information too! apple.co/3ysFijh

Follow Dr. Caroline

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.carolinebuzanko

IG: https://www.instagram.com/dr.carolinebuzanko/

LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/dr-caroline-buzanko

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrCarolineBuzanko/

Website: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/

Resources: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/resources/articles-child-resilience-well-being-psychology/

Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

152. How do we help manage kids back-to-school worries?

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 20 Aug 2024 08:00:00 GMT

Back by popular demand, we're recasting Dr. Caroline's highly-popular episode of Overpowering Emotions focusing on managing back-to-school worries and equipping children for a smooth, confident transition.

As the new school year approaches, it's natural for children to feel both excited and apprehensive. Parents often face challenges in helping their kids navigate this period of change. That's why I’m sharing practical strategies to overcome these challenges and empower children for success.

Join me as I explore effective ways to address those creeping worries while nurturing a supportive environment that fosters open communication and emotional well-being.

Let’s build a toolkit of resilience for our children so they can embrace the new school year with excitement and enthusiasm.

Don't miss out on my comprehensive guide to conquering back-to-school anxiety (https://bit.ly/Conquering_Back-to-School_Anxiety).

Enjoying the show? Help out by rating this podcast on Apple to help others get access to this information too! apple.co/3ysFijh

Follow Dr. Caroline

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.carolinebuzanko

IG: https://www.instagram.com/dr.carolinebuzanko/

LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/dr-caroline-buzanko

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrCarolineBuzanko/

Website: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/

Resources: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/resources/articles-child-resilience-well-being-psychology/

Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

151. How do we help kids transition back to school successfully?

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 13 Aug 2024 06:00:00 GMT

As the new school year approaches, ensuring a smooth and confident transition for our children and teens is crucial. In this popular episode of Overpowering Emotions, I provide many practical tips and strategies to support your kids as they navigate the back-to-school season.

In this episode, I emphasize the importance of establishing general routines that lay the foundation for a successful school year.

For additional resources, don’t miss my comprehensive guide on conquering back-to-school anxiety (https://bit.ly/conquerbacktoschoolanxiety) and my article on essential routines that your children need to develop (https://korupsychology.ca/essential-routines-for-success-and-well-being/).

Let’s work together to set our kids up for success as they head back to school!

Enjoying the show? Help out by rating this podcast on Apple to help others get access to this information too! apple.co/3ysFijh

Follow Dr. Caroline

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.carolinebuzanko

IG: https://www.instagram.com/dr.carolinebuzanko/

LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/dr-caroline-buzanko

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrCarolineBuzanko/

Website: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/

Resources: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/resources/articles-child-resilience-well-being-psychology/

Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

150. How can self-care boost kids’ resilience and how can you encourage it?

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 06 Aug 2024 06:00:47 GMT

In this episode of Overpowering Emotions, I look at the critical topic of self-care for children. I explore why self-care is essential for kids and provide practical strategies to help them develop healthy habits. While self-care is often emphasized for adults, it’s equally important for children to prioritize their physical, emotional, and mental wellbeing.

Tune in to learn:

The importance of self-care in reducing stress and promoting relaxation.
How self-care practices contribute to physical health, resilience, and self-esteem.
Practical tips for establishing a self-care routine for your child.
Activities that make children feel relaxed, happy, and rejuvenated.
The role of mindfulness and healthy habits in a child's self-care routine.
How to model self-care behaviours and teach kids to set boundaries.

Equip your kids with the tools to manage stress, face challenges, strengthen their resilience and maintain a balanced lifestyle. Don’t miss this episode packed with actionable advice and insights!

Enjoying the show? Help out by rating this podcast on Apple to help others get access to this information too! apple.co/3ysFijh

Follow Dr. Caroline

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.carolinebuzanko

IG: https://www.instagram.com/dr.carolinebuzanko/

LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/dr-caroline-buzanko

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrCarolineBuzanko/

Website: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/

Resources: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/resources/articles-child-resilience-well-being-psychology/

Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

149. What strategies build resilient thinking in children?

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 30 Jul 2024 06:00:54 GMT

Today on Overpowering Emotions I discuss the the critical skills of self-talk and resilient thinking.

Building on the previous discussion about managing thoughts through problem-solving, I explore how we can strengthen kids’ emotional resilience. Learn practical strategies to teach your child to be kind to themselves, handle mistakes with grace, and develop a positive, solution-focused, resilient mindset.

Key topics covered include:

Understanding self-talk and its impact on emotions.
Fostering resilient thinking to navigate challenges.
Practical steps to teach self-awareness and mindfulness.
Creating self-coaching statements and mantras.
Encouraging journaling to reinforce positive coping mechanisms.
Modeling self-compassion in everyday life.

Equip kids and teens with the tools to thrive emotionally and face life's challenges with confidence and kindness. Tune in for actionable advice and inspiring insights!

Enjoying the show? Help out by rating this podcast on Apple to help others get access to this information too! apple.co/3ysFijh

Follow Dr. Caroline

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.carolinebuzanko

IG: https://www.instagram.com/dr.carolinebuzanko/

LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/dr-caroline-buzanko

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrCarolineBuzanko/

Website: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/

Resources: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/resources/articles-child-resilience-well-being-psychology/

Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

148. How can kids turn anxiety into problem-solving power?

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 23 Jul 2024 06:00:13 GMT

In today’s episode of Overpowering Emotions, I chat about how kids can manage anxiety and empower themselves by responding to their anxiety-driven thoughts in helpful ways. I outline exactly what you need to do to guide kids through the problem-solving process.

Discover how to help kids break down overwhelming emotions, foster resilience, and turn anxiety into actionable steps.

We’ll cover:

Understanding the brain's negativity bias and its impact on anxiety.
Practical techniques for teaching kids defusion – a critical skill to get untangled from emotional knots.
A step-by-step guide to helping children solve problems, with real-life examples like friendship conflicts.
Tips for encouraging daily problem-solving and building cognitive flexibility.

Join me to learn how these strategies can transform your child's approach to anxiety and challenges, fostering confidence and emotional intelligence.

Don’t miss this episode filled with valuable insights and actionable advice to help anxious kids and teens!

Enjoying the show? Help out by rating this podcast on Apple to help others get access to this information too! apple.co/3ysFijh

Follow Dr. Caroline

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.carolinebuzanko

IG: https://www.instagram.com/dr.carolinebuzanko/

LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/dr-caroline-buzanko

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrCarolineBuzanko/

Website: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/

Resources: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/resources/articles-child-resilience-well-being-psychology/

Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

147. How can tailored wellness strategies enhance resilience in children and teens?

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 16 Jul 2024 06:01:00 GMT

In this episode of Overpowering Emotions, we jump into the fascinating world of emotional and physical wellness with guest expert Brenda Wollenberg. Brenda shares her journey from social work to nutrition, emphasizing her innovative approach to enhancing resilience in children, teens, and adults through personalized wellness strategies.

It is so important to move beyond a one-size-fits-all mentality in wellness and resilience strategies. Brenda introduces her OCC formula to help us understand the unique reasons behind children’s behaviours. By using this approach, we can effectively create wellness game plans that foster resilient behaviours serving their overall well-being.

Discover the transformative power of understanding raw genetic data for personalized health, the critical role of nutrition, sleep, and stress management in fostering resilience, and actionable insights on how to adapt these strategies to fit individual needs.

Learn about the critical roles of nutrition, sleep, and stress management in fostering resilience and well-being.

Don't miss this episode packed with valuable knowledge and practical tools to empower kids toward a more resilient and balanced life.

Prefer to watch? Check it out on my YouTube channel and subscribe! https://youtu.be/1SAGu1rhjuI

About Brenda

Over the past five years, she has developed proficiency in helping clients understand the science of their genetics and in identifying patterns of behaviour that might be affecting their gene expression.

She has had the privilege of being featured on TV and podcasts. Her articles have been published in various print media and she is the author of 'Overweight Kids in a Toothpick World' and 'Eat. Sleep. Move. For Your Genetic Body Type'.

As someone who practices what she believes, Brenda is not just about helping you be the best version of yourself - she is about helping you understand how to get there.

Get in Touch

Website: www.inbalancelm.com

IG: @inbalancelm

FB: www.facebook.com/InBalanceLMWellness/

Email: inbalancelm@gmail.com

Check out these FREE resources:

Brenda’s free self-check evaluation to see if you may benefit from doing epigenetic work looking at the impact of their environment on gene expression:

www.inbalancelm.com/self-check

Support for women:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/healthylifestylesupportforwomen

For parents/health care professionals looking for mental health resources:

https://www.psychiatryredefined.org/articles/

Additional resources

Brenda’s latest book is a super simple resource to begin the work of personalizing wellness, w/o knowing genetics: https://www.inbalancelm.com/ESM

Enjoying the show? Help out by rating this podcast on Apple to help others get access to this information too! apple.co/3ysFijh

Follow Dr. Caroline

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.carolinebuzanko

IG: https://www.instagram.com/dr.carolinebuzanko/

LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/dr-caroline-buzanko

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrCarolineBuzanko/

Website: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/

Resources: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/resources/articles-child-resilience-well-being-psychology/

Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

146. How can kids channel their inner Avengers to master emotional regulation?

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 09 Jul 2024 06:00:00 GMT

Today on Overpowering Emotions, we explore the intriguing concept of 'subselves'—the different parts of our personality that shape our thoughts and emotions. Discover how these subselves can either work together or clash, leading to internal conflicts.

Learn practical strategies to help kids recognize and manage their subselves, fostering better emotional regulation. Join Dr. Caroline for an insightful discussion on how understanding our inner superhero team can improve emotional awareness and resilience in children. Tune in now!

Want to watch? Check out https://youtu.be/O15vUehZkL4 and subscribe to my channel!

And, if you're looking for summer success tips with your kids, be sure to check out these extra resources:

Parents of the Year Podcast Summer Series (parentsoftheyear.ca)

Summer 2024 Guide (https://bit.ly/bestsummerever2024)

Enjoying the show? Help out by rating this podcast on Apple to help others get access to this information too! apple.co/3ysFijh

Follow Dr. Caroline

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.carolinebuzanko

IG: https://www.instagram.com/dr.carolinebuzanko/

LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/dr-caroline-buzanko

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrCarolineBuzanko/

Website: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/

Resources: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/resources/articles-child-resilience-well-being-psychology/

Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

145. How do internal cues help kids master their emotions?

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 02 Jul 2024 06:00:00 GMT

Today on #OverpoweringEmotions, learn about the internal cues of emotion that drive behaviours and how to guide kids to recognize these to manage emotions and build resilience.

Other things mentioned

Explaining anxiety to kids: https://youtu.be/25dNVjgpkd8

Enjoying the show? Help out by rating this podcast on Apple to help others get access to this information too! apple.co/3ysFijh

Follow Dr. Caroline

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.carolinebuzanko

IG: https://www.instagram.com/dr.carolinebuzanko/

LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/dr-caroline-buzanko

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrCarolineBuzanko/

Website: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/

Resources: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/resources/articles-child-resilience-well-being-psychology/

Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

144. Why is understanding emotions key to emotion regulation?

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 25 Jun 2024 06:00:15 GMT

Today on Overpowering Emotions, I discuss how emotions like fear, anger, sadness, and joy drive our behavior and influence our responses to the world around us. Teaching this to kids is critical to promote emotion regulation and resilience. With this understanding, they can strengthen their mindfulness and acceptance skills to effectively manage any emotion that comes up. Learn practical strategies to help kids recognize, validate, and constructively manage their emotions.

Check out the infographic I mentioned: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/emotions/

And, be sure to check out these episodes if you haven't already:

Integrating Mindfulness & Acceptance: https://youtu.be/3qLdi31UA-E

Importance of Acceptance: https://youtu.be/GqLkVRCcuJw

Building emotion regulation through mindfulness: https://youtu.be/202tDj35Dus

Enjoying the show? Help out by rating this podcast on Apple to help others get access to this information too! apple.co/3ysFijh

Follow Dr. Caroline

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.carolinebuzanko

IG: https://www.instagram.com/dr.carolinebuzanko/

LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/dr-caroline-buzanko

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143. How can mindfulness, acceptance, and fear extinction create an anxiety-proof brain?

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 18 Jun 2024 06:00:00 GMT

In this special recast episode of #OverpoweringEmotions, we explore how to optimize the brain's resistance to anxiety by integrating fear extinction, mindfulness, and acceptance into one cohesive approach. Discover how combining these powerful techniques can lead to faster and more lasting progress in kids’ emotional regulation.

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Website: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/

Resources: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/resources/articles-child-resilience-well-being-psychology/

Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

142. Why is acceptance so important to help kids master emotion regulation?

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 11 Jun 2024 06:00:00 GMT

Today on Overpowering Emotions, uncover the power of acceptance in guiding children through their emotions effectively. Discover how nurturing resilience and emotional understanding can help manage emotions. Get valuable tips to assist kids in handling intense emotions gracefully.

Tune in to learn about acceptance's vital role in fostering emotional resilience and healthy emotion control in children. Learn why mindfulness is just one piece of the puzzle. To truly strengthen the brain against anxiety, embracing acceptance is key.

Anxiety isn't the issue itself. Find out why and how to help kids enhance emotional regulation and resilience.

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Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

141. How do we help kids build self-awareness to master emotion regulation?

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 04 Jun 2024 06:00:21 GMT

Today on Overpowering Emotions, Dr. Caroline walks through the next step in helping kids develop the core skill they need for emotion regulation and resilience. Her discussion emphasizes the importance of self-awareness in kids, guiding them to understand their physiological responses, thoughts, and behaviours when emotions arise.

Discover practical techniques to build the foundations of self-awareness that can be seamlessly integrated into daily routines to help children stay present and navigate their emotions effectively.

Don’t miss out on actionable tips to foster mindfulness in kids, which is the foundation to enhance their emotional well-being and resilience.

And, be sure to check out these past episodes for even more information on building this key skill:

How to make the brain resistant to anxiety? Mindfulness: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qtjtafm_5p0&t=276s

How to make the brain resistant to anxiety? Awareness: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o-uz74IgNyM&t=30s

Mindfulness with Special Guest: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RdGf8KRWGxI

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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrCarolineBuzanko/

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Resources: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/resources/articles-child-resilience-well-being-psychology/

Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

140. What is the most important core skill kids need to master emotion regulation?

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 28 May 2024 06:00:00 GMT

Today on Overpowering Emotions, Dr. Caroline talks about the foundational core skill of managing anxiety and other big emotions to build resilience. Because it is such a critical skill with several components, she starts today by sharing the framework addressing the three key responses that contribute to anxiety and maladaptive reactions.

Discover how our bodies, thoughts, and actions interplay during emotional events and learn the importance of awareness and acceptance in managing these responses. We'll explore the physiological changes, cognitive appraisals, and instinctual behaviours that occur, and why mindful self-awareness is crucial in navigating these experiences.

Be sure to listen in as Dr. Caroline sets the stage for deeper understanding and practical strategies to improve emotional resilience and overall well-being.

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Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

139. What are the key stages of resilience and how can we navigate them?

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 21 May 2024 06:00:00 GMT

In this episode of Overpowering Emotions, Dr. Caroline Buzanko welcomes Stephanie Elliston to chat about resilience. They explore its stages and how to build resilience muscles. Stephanie shares personal anecdotes and professional insights to illustrate the power of resilience during life's most challenging changes. Learn practical strategies to foster resilience in yourself and the children you support, ensuring a healthier, more adaptive approach to change.

About Stephanie

Stephanie is a Certified Professional Coach and the owner of The Steady Elevation; pairing with businesses and individuals to elevate their potential. She is a self-awareness speaker, DISC practitioner, and core energy coach with intentions of increasing confidence towards the desired outcomes. She is trained to remove the blocks and influences that prevent people from reaching their highest elevation.

Get in touch:

Website: www.thesteadyelevation.com

Instagram: Stephanie Elliston, CPC (@thesteadyelevation)

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanieelliston/

Book A Call: https://thesteadyelevation.com/book-a-call

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Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

138. How do family dynamics influence resilience?

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 07 May 2024 06:00:22 GMT

Today on Overpowering Emotions, guest expert Dr. Celeste talks about the interplay between family dynamics and resilience, particularly during stressful situations. In a world where resilience is paramount for navigating life's challenges, understanding how family dynamics shape our ability to bounce back becomes imperative. Tune in to learn practical strategies for cultivating resilience in any family setting.

And be sure to check out:

FREE RESOURCES from Dr. Celeste:

Parent Improvement Assessment + Questions: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/parent-improvement-assessment-questions/

Fostering Resilience: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/fostering-resilience/

Resilience Unleashed article: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/family-dynamics-resilience-crucial-role-structure-buzanko-u5rdc/

About Dr. Celeste

Dr. Celeste is a family practice Forensic Psychologist. She specializes in working with families in difficult situations and is currently on a preliminary mission to help at least 1,000,000 families get out of the rut of co-parenting battles, that drain people of their time, energy, resources, and quality of life. As a co-parent herself, Dr. Celeste sees it as essential for people to make the most of the life that they have, even when faced with consistent undesirable family circumstances.

Dr. Celeste is offering support for families in need and for those who are always looking to improve.

Get in touch

DrSimmons@familyforensicfocus.com

Website: www.myfamilypsych.com

IG: @DrCelestePhD

FB: @familyforensic

Youtube: @DrCelestePhD

Ask@familyforensicfocus.com

Recommended

5 Love languages of children - Gary Chapman, Ross Campbell

The miracle morning for parents and families - Hal Elrod, Mike McCarthy et.al

How to help your child clean up their mental mess - Caroline Leaf

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137. How can a dialectical approach nurture family resilience?

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 30 Apr 2024 06:00:00 GMT

Delve into the heart of mindful parenting with our enlightening podcast episode featuring Dr. Lauren Pasqua, a clinical psychologist specializing in children and families experiencing intense emotions and behaviors. We unpack the pivotal role of family dynamics in nurturing resilience, with a deep dive into how dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) can offer practical strategies for parents. Discover how validating experiences, embracing a dialectical mindset, and employing DBT skills can enhance emotional intelligence and resilience in both parents and children.

We provide actionable insights for fostering a home environment where every family member thrives. Listen now to transform your approach to parenting with mindfulness and resilience at its core.

About Dr. Lauren Pasqua:

Dr Pasqua is founder and executive director of Connections Child & Family Center in Northwest Houston. With 15+ years of experience, Dr. Pasqua, a licensed clinical psychologist, and her team of experienced clinicians provide counseling and evaluations for children and families locally and across Texas. To address a public health crisis of higher than national average suicide rates in the local county, Dr. Pasqua led her team to create an adherent DBT program for teens and families; the first and only one in Northwest Houston. This unique program focuses on intensive outpatient support for teens with significant behavioral and emotional dyscontrol. Dr. Pasqua and her team are on a mission to help parents build a validating environment to support their teen in healthy coping and mental resilience.

Check out these Resources

https://www.amazon.com/Parenting-Teen-Who-Intense-Emotions/dp/1626251886https://www.amazon.com/Parenting-Teen-Who-Intense-Emotions/dp/1626251886

Families can get immediate access to a webinar on basic DBT skills for parents. https://exceptional-author-7245.ck.page/6e50b3656b

Get in touch with Dr. Pasqua

connectionsfamilycenter.com

https://www.instagram.com/connectionscfc/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-pasqua-psy-d-9858511a/

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Website: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/

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Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

136. How can mindful parenting transform emotional well-being and resilience?

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Wed, 24 Apr 2024 05:07:45 GMT

Today on Overpowering Emotions, Dr. Caroline and special guest Katie Farinas talk about the power of mindful parenting. They explore how living by example can profoundly influence our children's understanding of a good life. They discuss the art of teaching through action, emphasizing the significance of demonstrating resilience, compassion, and mindfulness in our daily lives.

Learn how to set powerful examples for children and equip them children with the tools they need for emotional intelligence, resilience, and a deep appreciation for life.

About Katie Farinas:

Katie is a mom, seasoned nurse, a yoga teacher and host of the podcast, Mom On The Verge. Katie has been passionate about all things health and wellness from a young age. And after her own experiences, she was forced to examine the impact our mental health has on our physical health and how intimately those two things are connected.

Get in touch

Katie Farinas kafarinas@gmail.com

https://linktr.ee/momonthevergepodcast

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Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

135. Are you forgetting to care for yourself while caring for others?

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 16 Apr 2024 06:00:00 GMT

I know I said I would be going into coping strategies, but there is a lot of work for adults. I left off last episode talking about how important self-care is before we can hope to effectively help children. For this part of our resilience journey, I want to focus on the things we can do to support ourselves and kids. Because if we’re doing good kids will do good too.

To kick us off, special guest Katharine Manning discusses the crucial but often overlooked aspect of self-care for those who dedicate themselves to supporting others through distress. Discover why caring for others can significantly impact your own mental and physical well-being and explore effective strategies for safeguarding your health while being a steadfast support system.

This episode sheds light on balancing aiding loved ones in need and ensuring you don't neglect your well-being, highlighting the importance of self-care practices that can protect you from long-term health challenges. This is an important episode with invaluable insights into how to care for yourself first to be more effective and compassionate in helping others.

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Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

134. How can letting children face consequences foster resilience?

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 09 Apr 2024 06:00:00 GMT

Today on Overpowering Emotions, based on questions Dr. Caroline has received on the subtle maladaptive coping strategies that can hinder kids’ resilience, she revisits the delicate balance between caring for children and enabling growth by exploring the subtleties of maladaptive coping and the importance of promoting independence in our kids. Discover the traps many adults fall into, from over-protectiveness to rescuing children from natural consequences, and learn how these well-intentioned actions can inadvertently hinder kids’ development of resilience, problem-solving skills, and emotional intelligence.

Dr. Caroline offers practical tips for supporting children in learning from their experiences, managing their emotions, and developing a strong sense of self-confidence and accountability. Don’t miss this important episode as we navigate parental guidance and explore effective strategies for raising confident, independent, and emotionally intelligent children.

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Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

133. Could our methods of teaching kids to regulate their emotions be doing more harm than good?

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 02 Apr 2024 06:00:00 GMT

Today’s episode of Overpowering Dr. Caroline dives deep into the essence of our emotional makeup with guest expert Cedric Bertelli. They explore why certain emotions cling to us and how we can effectively resolve them to regain control of our well-being with Emotional Resolution® (EmRes). Discover the limitations of traditional talk therapy and learn why conventional emotional regulation strategies might be hindering your emotional resilience. Learn more about emotional patterns and the innovative EmRes method, offering listeners a path to overcome debilitating emotional patterns for lasting emotional regulation.

Tune in to help your kids transform their relationship with emotions and move towards emotional healing and empowerment.

About Cedric:

Cedric is the Founder and Director of Emotional Health Institute (EHI), a non-profit organization committed to improving the quality of human life by tapping into the revolutionary technique of Emotional Resolution®, which helps with trauma healing and emotional well-being. Cedric has been fine tuning the EmRes process since 2009, training a wide demographic that includes therapists, social workers, mental health practitioners, educators, and HR professionals.

Get in touch!

Website: https://www.emotionalhealthinstitute.org/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cedric-bertelli 68286224/https://www.cedricbertelli.com/sales-page

Research article about EmRes: https://www.journal.cqaedu.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/02-Quantum-Science-Approach-to-Emotional-Resolution-in-the-Vital-Energy-Body-By-Gayathri-Shylesh-1.pdf

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Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

132. How can we teach kids to choose the right coping strategy to build resilience?

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 26 Mar 2024 06:00:00 GMT

Today on Overpowering Emotions I discuss distinctions of emotion-focused and problem-solving-focused coping mechanisms and how they can help kids effectively manage their emotions and face life's challenges with confidence.

I revisit the foundational concepts of these coping strategies but also provide practical ideas on fostering self-awareness and emotional regulation in everyday life and helping them figure out which coping strategies they need to use in a given situation.

This episode is important for developing a versatile emotional toolbox.

Tune in to help your children navigate their emotions and challenges, setting them up for success and well-being throughout their journey in life.

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Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

131. How can problem-focused coping enhance (or cripple) resilience?

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 19 Mar 2024 06:00:00 GMT

Today on Overpowering Emotions, I discuss problem-focused coping strategies. When used effectively, this is a vital approach to help our children and teens navigate life's challenges with resilience and effectiveness.

I discuss the benefits of problem-focused coping, the pitfalls to avoid, and how to cultivate this skill. I share real-life examples ranging from teens overcoming study avoidance to resolving personal conflicts and go through the step-by-step process.

Learn how problem-solving can empower children and teens by instilling a sense of control and self-efficacy while also fostering emotional well-being, resilience, and positive behaviours.

Don’t miss out – this episode will offer lots of ideas to enhance kids’ coping toolbox.

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YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.carolinebuzanko

IG: https://www.instagram.com/dr.carolinebuzanko/

LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/dr-caroline-buzanko

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrCarolineBuzanko/

Website: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/

Resources: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/resources/articles-child-resilience-well-being-psychology/

Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

130. What is emotion-focused coping and how can it enhance or cripple resilience and emotional wellness?

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 12 Mar 2024 06:00:00 GMT

Today on Overpowering Emotions, Dr. Caroline explores the essential life skill of coping with emotions, focusing on the delicate balance between emotion-focused and problem-solving-focused coping strategies.

In this journey of resilience, we delve into the adaptive versus maladaptive approaches to handling life's emotional rollercoasters.

Discover why emotions, even those we might shy away from, are crucial to our human experience and how we can navigate through them with grace and resilience. We dissect the subtle, often overlooked coping mechanisms that, though may offer temporary relief, can hinder long-term emotional well-being.

From the pitfalls of avoidance and distraction to the virtues of accepting and expressing our feelings, this episode offers new insights for anyone looking to foster emotional intelligence, resilience, and a healthier approach to coping with life's challenges.

Whether for ourselves or guiding our children, learn how to embrace healthier emotion-focused strategies for a more balanced and emotionally fulfilling life.

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YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.carolinebuzanko

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LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/dr-caroline-buzanko

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrCarolineBuzanko/

Website: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/

Resources: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/resources/articles-child-resilience-well-being-psychology/

Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

129. What are the foundations of building effective coping strategies in kids?

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 05 Mar 2024 07:03:00 GMT

Today on Overpowering Emotions I turn my focus to coping mechanisms.

Through a compassionate lens, we explore the importance of building a solid foundation to help children and teens build the crucial skills for managing anxiety, stress, and big emotions, while also nurturing resilience.

I also discuss the significant role of coping skills in building resilience, tackling the challenges of maladaptive coping mechanisms, and laying the groundwork for a healthier, more resilient future.

Tune in to empower the young individuals in your life with the tools to navigate life's challenges effectively.

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YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.carolinebuzanko

IG: https://www.instagram.com/dr.carolinebuzanko/

LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/dr-caroline-buzanko

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrCarolineBuzanko/

Website: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/

Resources: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/resources/articles-child-resilience-well-being-psychology/

Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

128. What are effective ways to promote our children’s emotional well-being?

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 27 Feb 2024 07:00:00 GMT

Today on #OverpoweringEmotions, listen in to my conversation with inspiring Naomi Reilly, a brain injury survivor who channeled her harrowing experience into becoming a beacon of change in children’s mental health and education reform.

Listen in to hear about Naomi's powerful story of personal triumph, her advocacy for inclusive education, and her actionable strategies for fostering resilience in children. This episode is a treasure trove of wisdom. Tune in to be empowered by Naomi's resilience and learn how to cultivate a mindset of growth and positivity in children.

And be sure to check out all her FREE resources she talks about on the show: https://textpledge.us/teacher-resources/

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YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.carolinebuzanko

IG: https://www.instagram.com/dr.carolinebuzanko/

LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/dr-caroline-buzanko

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrCarolineBuzanko/

Website: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/

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Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

127. How can we nurture Emotional Intelligence in children and teens?

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 20 Feb 2024 07:00:00 GMT

Welcome to another episode of Overpowering Emotions. Over the past two weeks, Dr. Caroline introduced emotional intelligence, why it is so important for our children's overall well-being and future success, and the key skills they need to develop to strengthen their emotional intelligence.

Today, Dr. Caroline is jumping into the practical strategies for nurturing and improving emotional intelligence in children and teens. Building emotional intelligence is about equipping children with the tools to recognize, understand, manage, and express their own emotions, as well as empathetically respond to the emotions of others. In this episode, she shares lots of ideas to achieve this.

Be sure to tune in and choose at least one strategy to focus on this week to help strengthen children and teen’s emotional intelligence!

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LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/dr-caroline-buzanko

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrCarolineBuzanko/

Website: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/

Resources: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/resources/articles-child-resilience-well-being-psychology/

Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

126. What are the key competencies for emotional intelligence?

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 13 Feb 2024 07:00:00 GMT

Today on Overpowering Emotions, Dr. Caroline discusses the critical competencies essential for children's emotional development. Emotional self-awareness, self-regulation, and empathy are examples of a few key components of emotional intelligence, and they play a pivotal role in fostering resilience in children and teens. Listen in to learn more and why they are crucial for children's success in life.

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Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

125. How does Emotional Intelligence shape children's resilience?

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 06 Feb 2024 12:21:46 GMT

Today on Overpowering Emotions, Dr. Caroline continues the #JourneyofResilience by exploring Emotional Intelligence (EI) and its profound impact on children.

Discover how EI empowers children to navigate the challenges of school, peer relationships, and everyday emotions with confidence. Through different stories, Dr. Caroline illustrates how children with high EI can thrive even in the face of adversity.

Explore the pivotal role of EI in developing key skills while fostering empathy, strong social connections, and a positive self-image, laying the foundation for unwavering resilience.

Enjoying the show? Help out by rating this podcast on Apple to help others get access to this information too! apple.co/3ysFijh

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YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.carolinebuzanko

IG: https://www.instagram.com/dr.carolinebuzanko/

LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/dr-caroline-buzanko

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrCarolineBuzanko/

Website: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/

Resources: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/resources/articles-child-resilience-well-being-psychology/

Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

124. How can childhood adversity build resilience?

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 30 Jan 2024 07:00:00 GMT

Adversity in a child's life can play a significant role in fostering resilience and long-term success. When children face adversity, such as family problems, academic difficulties, or personal setbacks, it can have several positive effects on their development.

In this powerful episode of Overpowering Emotions, we can see this adversity in action as we delve into the extraordinary life journey of our guest, Suraj Ethirajan. From growing up in Kuwait during the Gulf War to pursuing aerospace engineering dreams in the United States, Suraj’s life has been a rollercoaster of challenges and opportunities. Challenges and opportunities that we know are so critical for building resilience.

This interview highlights the incredible resilience that has fueled Suraj’s success and how it can inspire all of us to overcome life's obstacles. There are several lessons for helping our children and teens strengthen their resilience you don’t want to miss out on, including:

 Finding Support: The importance of our children learning how to seek and accept help from others during challenging times. Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. As you will see from Suraj’s story, life is a team sport, and the people who support us play a crucial role in his journey.

 Adaptability: The importance of strengthening their willingness to change and grow. We see Suraj’s ability to adapt and pivot when faced with unexpected obstacles, such as changing career paths, which highlights his resilience.

 Creating a Safe Environment: Creating a safe space for oneself and others, allowing for open communication and trust-building is essential to foster resilience and collaboration.

About Suraj

Suraj Ethirajan is a career coach and founder of Grounow, helping tech professionals enhance their skills, become more employable, and achieve the rewards they deserve. He coaches both corporates and individuals, customizing the coaching they need and providing role-playing exercises to prepare them for the real world. He helped secure significant compensation increases for his clients and assisted them in overcoming their self-doubts, cognitive biases, and toxic work challenges. Being a refugee during the Kuwait invasion in 1990 shaped his life perspective.

How to connect with Suraj

Email: suraj@grounow.com.

Website: www.grounow.com

YouTube: www.youtube.com/@grounow

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/grounow?mibextid=D4KYlr

Enjoying the show? Help out by rating this podcast on Apple to help others get access to this information too! apple.co/3ysFijh

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Website: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/

Resources: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/resources/articles-child-resilience-well-being-psychology/

Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

123. What are the key traits of resilient children?

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 23 Jan 2024 07:00:00 GMT

On Overpowering Emotions, Dr. Caroline continues the #JourneyofResilience2024. What makes some children adept at bouncing back and even thriving from challenges while others in the same situation struggle? It's more than just natural tenacity; resilience is a complex interplay of skills, behaviours, and environmental influences.

Dr. Caroline discusses how resilience manifests through a variety of traits, from the power of humour in coping to the critical role of problem-solving abilities. Discover the profound impact of autonomy, social competence, and having a sense of purpose. Learn how these traits not only help children navigate the immediate hurdles of childhood but also lay the groundwork for a resilient adulthood. Whether you're a parent, educator, or simply interested in child development, this episode offers valuable insights into nurturing the resilient warriors of the future.

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Follow Dr. Caroline

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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrCarolineBuzanko/

Website: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/

Resources: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/resources/articles-child-resilience-well-being-psychology/

Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

122. What are the foundational building blocks of resilience?

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 16 Jan 2024 07:00:00 GMT

Today on Overpowering Emotions, Dr. Caroline continues the #JourneyofResilience2024 by discussing the foundational building blocks of resilience and how parents, schools, and communities can collaboratively nurture resilience in children and teens. From creating a safe and stable environment to fostering autonomy and independence, she covers the essential elements that contribute to resilient behaviour and a growth mindset.

As always, this episode is a must-listen for anyone invested in guiding children towards a resilient, confident, and adaptable future.

Enjoying the show? Help out by rating this podcast on Apple to help others get access to this information too! apple.co/3ysFijh

Follow Dr. Caroline

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Website: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/

Resources: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/resources/articles-child-resilience-well-being-psychology/

Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

121. What is resilience and why does it matter? Unpacking the true essence of resilience

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 09 Jan 2024 07:00:00 GMT

Join us in the latest episode of Overpowering Emotions - the first of #JourneyofResilience2024.

To start this journey, Dr. Carline talks about how moving beyond the conventional view of simply bouncing back from adversity and ensuring children thrive.

Discover the multifaceted nature of resilience, encompassing emotional, psychological, social, and physical aspects. She discusses key frameworks to provide a comprehensive understanding of resilience.

She also shares stories about how resilience manifests in the real world, leading to emotional growth, new skills, and a sense of purpose.

Tune in to understand why resilience matters in every aspect of life and how it's a learned ability that we can all foster. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of resilience and its profound impact on children's and teens' lives.

Be sure to check out her resource (a reflective dialogue guide). By regularly engaging in reflective dialogue, you can help children internalize the process of learning from adversity, laying a strong foundation for developing resilience. https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/reflectivedialogueguide/

Enjoying the show? Help out by rating this podcast on Apple to help others get access to this information too! apple.co/3ysFijh

Follow Dr. Caroline

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LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/dr-caroline-buzanko

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrCarolineBuzanko/

Website: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/

Resources: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/resources/articles-child-resilience-well-being-psychology/

Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

120. How does conditional safety learning trap kids in anxiety?

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Fri, 05 Jan 2024 13:52:11 GMT

In this recast episode of Overpowering Emotions, as we continue our series on parental traps that exacerbate children's anxiety, I discuss conditional safety learning. I first discuss the generalizability of fears and how learned fears - even those not consciously remembered - can significantly influence a child's perception of safety and danger.

Using relatable examples, like a fear of dogs stemming from an early bite or anxiety about visiting the dentist after a painful experience, I illustrate how our brain forms associations that contribute to anxiety. These associations often generalize, leading to broad, pervasive fears that extend beyond the initial trigger.

This is where the concept of conditional safety learning becoms crucial. That is, where safety is understood only in specific contexts or in the presence of certain cues. This type of learning is highly context-dependent and does not generalize, posing challenges in treating anxiety effectively.

I emphasize the importance of cultivating a sense of unconditional safety in children. I discuss strategies for breaking the cycle of 'yeah, buts' in safety learning and how to encourage a broader, more resilient understanding of safety that isn't tied to specific conditions or contexts.

Listen in to gain insights into the complexities of fear and safety learning in children and how to approach these challenges to foster a healthier, more adaptable response to anxiety-provoking situations.

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Website: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/

Resources: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/resources/articles-child-resilience-well-being-psychology/

Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

119. How do safety behaviours reinforce anxiety?

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Thu, 04 Jan 2024 07:00:00 GMT

In today's recast episode of Overpowering Emotions, I wanted to readdress the often-overlooked realm of safety behaviours and their impact on anxiety, especially in children and teens. Learn about how these behaviours, while seemingly helpful in the short term, can paradoxically worsen anxiety over time by reinforcing the belief that certain situations or feelings are unbearable without certain actions or objects.

I discuss the subtle nuances of safety behaviours, from seemingly harmless acts like wearing a toque with built-in headphones to more overt actions like avoiding social interactions. The episode highlights the importance of distinguishing between healthy safety measures and those that perpetuate anxiety in safe situations.

This is an important episode as I dive into the this complex web of avoidance, reassurance-seeking, and misattributed safety that traps many individuals in a cycle of anxiety.

Join me as I help unravel the intricacies of these safety behaviours, offering insights and strategies to recognize and address these patterns in children and teens. This episode is a crucial listen for anyone seeking to understand and effectively manage anxiety, breaking free from the confines of safety behaviours to embrace a more empowered and resilient approach to life's challenges.

In today's episode we look at safety behaviours and how they make anxiety worse. Essentially, safety behaviours are things children and teens do to feel a little safer and/or less anxious. The problem is, these behaviours reinforce the anxiety story that they can't handle the situation or the discomfort anxiety brings. Therefore, in any work we do, we must ensure there aren't safety behaviours impeding progress in managing anxiety. Be sure to download the safety behaviour handout (https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/safetybehaviours) to use with your anxious children and teens!

Enjoying the show? Help out by rating this podcast on Apple to help others get access to this information too! apple.co/3ysFijh

Follow Dr. Caroline

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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrCarolineBuzanko/

Website: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/

Resources: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/resources/articles-child-resilience-well-being-psychology/

Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

118. Why does telling an anxious child to relax only make anxiety worse? Parent Traps Recast!

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 02 Jan 2024 07:00:00 GMT

In today's episode, I continue back on the traps we fall into that inadvertently worsen children's anxiety. In today's recast, we focus on the counterintuitive concept that striving for relaxation can actually amplify anxiety.

We unpack the paradox of 'trying' to relax when anxious and why making relaxation the goal can be problematic. In this episode, I discuss how emphasizing the reduction of anxiety may reinforce negative perceptions of anxiety as intolerable and needing to be fixed. Such attitudes can lead to a fear of anxiety, setting children up to view normal anxious feelings as failures, thus perpetuating a cycle of worry and hopelessness.

Learn why controlling emotional responses, particularly in children, is not only unrealistic but can also be counterproductive. I explore strategies for managing anxiety, focusing on tolerance and understanding of anxious feelings as a normal, manageable, and integral part of the human experience.

Tune in to learn why we need to shift the focus from eliminating anxiety to empowering kids to manage and tolerate it.

I also have a FREE webinar for mental health professionals to learn more about the common mistakes we make that stall children's progress in managing anxiety. Be sure to check it out (https://koru-learning-institute.thinkific.com/courses/avoidingcommonmistakeswithanxiety) if you want to learn other ways we could be making anxiety worse.

Enjoying the show? Help out by rating this podcast on Apple to help others get access to this information too! apple.co/3ysFijh

Follow Dr. Caroline

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.carolinebuzanko

IG: https://www.instagram.com/dr.carolinebuzanko/

LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/dr-caroline-buzanko

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrCarolineBuzanko/

Website: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/

Resources: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/resources/articles-child-resilience-well-being-psychology/

Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

117. How do we embrace our life’s purpose?

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Mon, 01 Jan 2024 07:00:00 GMT

In today’s episode of Overpowering Emotions, I take a little detour from my usual discussions and capitalize on the New Year (when some people might start thinking of goals and new habits) to speak with special guest Jorge V. Gonzalez, who has embraced his life's calling with unwavering passion. Based on his journey, he offers a blueprint for anyone longing to discover and fulfill their true purpose.

We discuss why it is essential to understand who we are meant to be and tap into our inner selves to guide us and break through the barriers that hold us back. He shares his personal experiences and the pivotal moments that led him to fully commit to his life's purpose, offering invaluable insights for those seeking a similar path.

We also discuss navigating the tumultuous waves of life’s struggles and maintaining focus and motivation.

Join us as Jorge takes us on a journey of self-discovery, perseverance, and ultimate success.

About Jorge:

We live in a society where different types of people live. Some need a push to work well in life, so motivational speakers and influencers exist. They dedicate their lives to inspiring and encouraging people to take the leap in life and be victorious. Jorge V. Gonzalez is one of those speakers & Influencers.

Are you facing the challenge of finding a new direction in your life after experiencing tragedy? Do you find yourself pondering how to reinvent yourself and chase your dreams despite life’s obstacles? Rest assured; you are not alone. Many of us encounter difficult situations that compel us to reevaluate our aspirations and goals.

In his widely acclaimed book, Answer The Call: Life Lessons From Family Origins Through Invention And Struggle, Jorge Gonzalez shares his personal voyage of reinvention and provides practical insights on how you can do the same. After dedicating two decades to honing his skills, Jorge confronted a disability that prevented him from continuing in his chosen field. However, rather than succumbing to anger and despair, he drew inspiration from his family’s legacy of embracing calculated risks and embarked on a new path.

Through his book and coaching sessions, Jorge imparts the wisdom that setbacks can be transformed into opportunities for growth and self-discovery with the right mindset. He emphasizes the significance of resilience, hard work, and setting high expectations to attain success and reinvent oneself. By sharing his own experiences and offering tangible examples, Jorge aspires to ignite inspiration and empower others to pursue their true purpose in life.

Where to find Jorge:

https://www.instagram.com/jorge_v_gonzalez
www.jorgevgonzalez.com

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Resources: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/resources/articles-child-resilience-well-being-psychology/

Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

115. How can we nurture emotional resilience in children during the holidays?

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 19 Dec 2023 07:00:00 GMT

Today on Overpowering Emotions, I want to capitalize on the holiday season's unique opportunities for nurturing emotion regulation and resilience in children. I discuss how to balance holiday excitement with essential routines. I chat about strategies for family bonding, managing expectations, and creating a supportive environment to foster emotional well-being and resilience in our children. Tune in and transform this holiday season into a learning experience for your family!

Enjoying the show? Help out by rating this podcast on Apple to help others get access to this information too! apple.co/3ysFijh

Follow Dr. Caroline

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.carolinebuzanko

IG: https://www.instagram.com/dr.carolinebuzanko/

LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/dr-caroline-buzanko

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrCarolineBuzanko/

Website: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/

Resources: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/resources/articles-child-resilience-well-being-psychology/

Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

114. How can NVR move us beyond accommodations to empower anxious children and teens?

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 12 Dec 2023 07:00:00 GMT

This week on Overpowering Emotions, I build on last week’s discussion about extinction bursts and validation, diving into the empowering parenting approach of Non-Violent Resistance (NVR).

I explore how NVR transitions families from accommodating anxious behaviours to fostering empowerment and resilience in children. NVR, initially a response to violent or self-destructive behaviours, is beneficial for managing a wide range of challenges, including anxiety-driven avoidance.

In this episode, I highlight the core principles of NVR and discuss how NVR effectively alters family dynamics to promote bravery and resilience. You'll learn how this approach helps parents manage problematic anxiety-driven behaviours while maintaining a loving, connected relationship with their child.

Listen in to learn more about the benefits of NVR, such as strengthening family relationships, fostering open communication, and reducing conflicts. And, most importantly, I will discuss practical strategies along with real-life examples to illustrate these strategies.

Discover how NVR helps parents regain control and confidence in parenting, emphasizes empathy and validation, and ultimately helps children develop better coping skills and emotional regulation.

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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrCarolineBuzanko/

Website: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/

Resources: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/resources/articles-child-resilience-well-being-psychology/

Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

113. How do we manage anxiety escalation? Breaking the Extinction Burst

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 05 Dec 2023 07:00:00 GMT

In today’s episode of Overpowering Emotions, I discuss the challenging concept of extinction bursts in the context of reducing accommodations for anxious children. Last week's discussion on accommodation strategies for anxious children set the stage for this deeper exploration. As we start withdrawing these accommodations to promote independence and resilience, parents and educators often face an 'extinction burst' - a phase where a child's behaviour may temporarily worsen.

This episode is dedicated to understanding and effectively managing these bursts, a major barrier for many adults that get in the way of supporting anxious children effectively.

I discuss the natural occurrence of extinction bursts, how these bursts manifest, and strategies to maintain consistency and calm during these challenging times. I emphasize the key elements of success when problem behaviours arise whenever we stop accommodating anxiety.

Join me and learn how to navigate this difficult phase of anxiety management with a proactive, supportive approach, ensuring the development of resilience and independence in anxious children and teens.

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Website: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/

Resources: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/resources/articles-child-resilience-well-being-psychology/

Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

112. Are we enabling anxiety? Rethinking how we support anxious kids.

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 28 Nov 2023 07:00:00 GMT

Today on Overpowering Emotions, I continue the parent trap series with a focus on one of the most significant traps: Accommodation. As adults, it is our instinct to shield anxious children from distress. However, when we do this, are we helping or hindering their growth?

This episode delves deep into the effects of over-accommodation — from speaking for a shy child to avoiding certain social situations. We explore how these well-intentioned actions can inadvertently perpetuate and even worsen a child’s anxiety, leading to increased dependency and a lack of self-efficacy.

Join me as I discuss the importance of shifting from accommodation to empowerment. I’ll share examples demonstrating how reducing accommodations can build confidence and resilience in anxious children.

Discover the vital role of parents in this process — not as rescuers, but as supporters, guiding their children to face fears and develop coping skills.

Tune in to empower your child towards courage and independence and start creating a plan to modify your accommodation behaviours.

**IMPORTANT!

Accommodations are vital for lots of different needs, such as executive functioning deficits. However, they are NOT always beneficial for managing anxiety. In fact, over-accommodating anxiety can inadvertently reinforce anxiety, preventing children from developing essential coping skills. My focus is on creating a supportive environment where children can face and gradually overcome their fears, building confidence and resilience over time.

It's also crucial to understand that a strong, securely attached relationship with adults is foundational for any strategies I discuss to be effective.

Remember: our responses are ALWAYS supportive and empathetic. The strategies I discuss are designed to strengthen a child's emotional resilience within the context of a secure and supportive relationship. The goal is to avoid reinforcing anxiety through accommodation while still providing the necessary connection children need to thrive.

If you haven’t seen it, I also have a free webinar designed for mental health professionals but can be valuable for others too about the traps we fall into. Be sure to check it out at https://koru-learning-institute.thinkific.com/courses/avoidingcommonmistakeswithanxiety for a deeper understanding.

And, as promised, here are 50 examples of accommodations that worsen anxiety:

1. Speaking for a child in social situations.

2. Avoiding places or events to prevent a child’s social anxiety.

3. Giving excessive warnings about upcoming events.

4. Allowing a child to skip school during stressful periods.

5. Avoiding friends or family with pets due to a child’s phobia.

6. Modifying or skipping tests for students with test anxiety.

7. Not calling on a student in class to ease participation anxiety.

8. Parents staying in class to ease a child's separation anxiety.

9. Completing a child's tasks to avoid their frustration.

10. Avoiding certain foods that a child dislikes due to sensory issues.

11. Changing family plans to accommodate a child’s preferences.

12. Letting a child avoid chores due to anxiety about doing them wrong.

13. Always letting a child win games to avoid disappointment.

14. Avoiding discussions on topics that make a child uncomfortable.

15. Not enforcing bedtime due to fears of the dark or being alone.

16. Always driving a different route to avoid a child’s fear triggers.

17. Avoiding medical or dental visits due to a child’s fear.

18. Letting a child stay in their comfort zone and not encouraging new activities.

19. Always resolving conflicts for a child to avoid their stress.

20. Keeping a child home from extracurricular activities due to anxiety.

21. Allowing excessive screen time to avoid tantrums.

22. Pre-emptively removing potential stressors from a child’s environment.

23. Stepping in to finish a child’s homework to avoid their anxiety.

24. Canceling playdates or outings last minute due to a child's anxiety.

25. Allowing a child to always play alone to avoid social stress.

26. Handling all of a child's social interactions.

27. Providing constant reassurance to a child’s anxious questions.

28. Always giving in to a child’s demands to avoid meltdowns.

29. Not encouraging a child to try new foods due to fear of rejection.

30. Avoiding public transportation to prevent a child’s travel anxiety.

31. Letting a child sleep with parents due to nighttime fears.

32. Not setting boundaries on a child's behaviors to avoid conflict.

33. Doing a child’s chores or tasks to prevent their anxiety.

34. Never leaving a child with a babysitter due to separation anxiety.

35. Avoiding discussing future events to prevent a child’s worry.

36. Rescuing a child from minor challenges to avoid their stress.

37. Allowing a child to dictate family schedules and routines.

38. Overprotecting a child from any form of criticism or negative feedback.

39. Not encouraging independence in daily tasks due to anxiety.

40. Altering family routines to suit one child’s anxieties.

41. Avoiding pets, parks, or outdoor activities due to specific fears.

42. Stepping in to negotiate a child’s disputes with peers.

43. Keeping a child from age-appropriate responsibilities to avoid stress.

44. Preparing different meals to accommodate a child’s food anxieties.

45. Not enforcing rules consistently to avoid upsetting a child.

46. Always accompanying a child to activities to ease their anxiety.

47. Never exposing a child to new experiences to avoid potential fears.

48. Avoiding conversations about health, safety, or well-being to prevent worry.

49. Over-scheduling a child to avoid their idle anxiety.

50. Never allowing a child to face natural consequences of their actions.

Enjoying the show? Help out by rating this podcast on Apple to help others get access to this information too! apple.co/3ysFijh

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Website: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/

Resources: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/resources/articles-child-resilience-well-being-psychology/

Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

111. How are we talking fear into children? Exploring the Line Between Safety and Catastrophizing

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 21 Nov 2023 07:00:00 GMT

Today on Overpowering Emotions, I kick off the new Parent Traps series talking about an incredibly influential, but often overlooked aspect of parenting: the distinction between promoting reasonable safety and falling into the anxiety-inducing trap of catastrophizing.

Ever wonder how a simple "Be careful!" can spiral into a storm of worries in a child's mind? It's all about the words we choose. Join me as we explore the powerful impact of adult language - the subtle nuances that can either soothe or stir a child’s deepest anxieties.

Even more importantly, learn how to communicate effectively about safety without inducing unnecessary fear or anxiety in children.

As the first episode in this series, it sets the stage for a deeper understanding of the complex dynamics of adult behaviours and child anxiety. This series will be critical to foster resilience and healthy emotional development in children.

Want to learn more? Be sure to check out the blog post I wrote on this topic too: https://korupsychology.ca/words-that-worry/

Prefer to watch? https://youtu.be/TJJWxj0DIcM

Enjoying the show? Help out by rating this podcast on Apple to help others get access to this information too! apple.co/3ysFijh

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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrCarolineBuzanko/

Website: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/

Resources: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/resources/articles-child-resilience-well-being-psychology/

Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

110. How do we master emotions to enhance our lives?

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 14 Nov 2023 07:00:00 GMT

In today's episode, I spoke with Joanne Williams about the art of mastering emotions to enhance our lives. We explore the unique messages each emotion brings and the critical role of tuning into these messages for our personal development and well-being. We also tackle the detrimental effects of self-comparison and offer alternative, healthier approaches. We highlight the transformative power of gratitude, the significance of having a friend who deeply understands us, and the importance of boundary-setting as a pathway to emotional maturity and effective life management. Tune in for valuable insights and practical tips to refine emotional mastery.

Be sure to check out Joanne's free giveaway: the 3-step Alignment Formula to create focus and concise decision-making.

https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:US:bd670cf5-5e7d-487c-ba5f-c8d970acdf6a

About Joanne:

Joanne Williams, LCSW is a Mental Health Professional who loves to empower people to live their purpuse. For 30+ year, she has transformed clients lives with inspired simplified energetic techniques. She guides her clients straight to your goals with her own next generation methods designed around the Alignment Formula, which is based on universal principles that are guaranteed to work whether in business, relationships or in life by rerouting old thought habits from your emotional brain wired to protect you, to your belief center that will bring you to your creative aspirations. Her specialties are anxiety and trauma and certifying for Psychiatric Service Dogs.

Where to find Joanne:

Email: JoanneWilliamsLCSW@gmail.com

FB: https://www.facebook.com/esaevaluation16

Website: https://ESApros.com

Website: https://AnxietySimplified.com

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Resources: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/resources/articles-child-resilience-well-being-psychology/

Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

109. How can parents find their joy and overcome emotional exhaustion to foster their & their children’s resilience? with special guest Dr. Iris Van Nespen

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 07 Nov 2023 11:47:56 GMT

It is easy to get caught in the endless cycle of pleasing others at the expense of our own well-being. In today’s fast-paced world, we are facing more demands than ever before, contributing to our own emotional exhaustion (and children’s dysregulation).

In today’s episode, guest expert Dr. Iris discusses the signs of burnout and how we can find our joy and take care of ourselves. And, become master co-regulators to promote our children’s emotional well-being as well.

This is more than just a parenting discussion; it's a deep dive into understanding ourselves and making choices that bring us closer to who we want to be. Don't miss this conversation that could very well be the catalyst for your own emotional liberation.

About Dr. Iris Van Nespen

Dr. Iris is a life coach that focuses on joy. She believes that's when we are truest to who we are. We can change the world through joy and kindness. It's also in those moments that we give the best and the most of who we are.

As a woman, mother and physician, having worked in different places in the world, she loves sharing what she has learned about living a life true to yourself, as a complete human being on this beautiful planet.

https://www.facebook.com/irisvannespen

https://lp.reclaimyoursparkle.coach/overwhelm

www.reclaimyoursparkle.coach

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Resources: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/resources/articles-child-resilience-well-being-psychology/

Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

108. How can we capitalize on everyday situations and special events as a resilience building learning opportunity?

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 31 Oct 2023 07:00:00 GMT

Today I jump into a topic that's essential yet often overlooked— the symbiotic relationship between safety and resilience. How do we navigate the tightrope between safeguarding our children from potential dangers and fostering their resilience? This episode aims to shed light on this intricate balance.

I break down the multifaceted roles that safety and resilience play in the lives of our children, especially during an activity as rich in life lessons as trick-or-treating during Halloween. Though at first glance they might appear to be opposing forces—safety being all about caution, and resilience about taking calculated risks—they are, in fact, two sides of the same coin.

Tune in as I discuss promoting both physical and emotional safety while not missing out on valuable opportunities for resilience-building. Facing social anxieties, managing conflict, and dealing with disappointments during trick-or-treating can provide kids with essential life skills like emotional regulation, problem-solving, and adaptability.

We want to:

§ Use safety guidelines as educational tools rather than just protective barriers (and overbearing overprotection)

§ Encourage awareness, responsibility, and decision-making in your children

§ Leverage Halloween experiences for teaching coping mechanisms and emotional regulation

§ Navigate peer dynamics and discuss assertiveness

§ Understand the impact of 'catastrophic language' and how to avoid it

§ Instill in children the ability to make responsible choices

Don't miss this episode where I discuss the layers of safety and resilience, using Halloween as our backdrop, to offer actionable tips for empowering your children. Remember, in every safety guideline lies a golden opportunity for resilience building. Make your Halloween—and every event—a fun and enriching learning experience for your kids.

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Website: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/

Resources: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/resources/articles-child-resilience-well-being-psychology/

Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

107. How can we harness the power of critical thinking for emotional balance? (Part 2)

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 24 Oct 2023 06:00:00 GMT

Sharpening critical thinking skills is a game-changer in managing emotions. Dive into part 2 of this discussion on critical thinking where we dive into its potent impact on emotion regulation. We will also discuss 25 practical strategies to help children and teens strengthen this critical skill for mastering emotions and building their resilience.

If you'd like to read more, check out this blog post: https://korupsychology.ca/developing-critical-thinking-skills/

And, for my Patreon members, be sure to get your checklist of critical thinking-building questions!

Prefer to watch? Check out my YouTube channel!

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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrCarolineBuzanko/

Website: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/

Resources: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/resources/articles-child-resilience-well-being-psychology/

Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

106. How do we unlock the power of critical thinking in children and youth? (Part 1)

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 17 Oct 2023 06:00:00 GMT

In today's episode, I delve into a crucial skill we all need to cultivate in children and teens: Critical Thinking.

Why is it so essential? How does it pave the way for academic excellence, emotional well-being, and resilience?

Not just a buzzword, critical thinking is the bedrock of independent thought, effective decision-making, and problem-solving. Tune in as I discuss practical strategies for fostering this invaluable skill.

If you'd like to read more, check out this blog post: https://korupsychology.ca/developing-critical-thinking-skills/

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Website: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/

Resources: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/resources/articles-child-resilience-well-being-psychology/

Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

105. How do we manage performance anxiety? with Guest Expert Dr. Brice Willis

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 10 Oct 2023 07:00:00 GMT

Today on Overpowering Emotions, Dr. Caroline chats with guest expert Dr. Brice Willis to unmask performance anxiety. This topic strikes a chord with students who struggle with perfectionism, athletes, and anyone who has felt the pressure to shine in the spotlight.

Performance anxiety, that gripping feeling of unease that can accompany high-stakes situations, is a phenomenon that affects individuals across various fields. Join us as we peel back the layers of this complex emotion and its negative influence on our students' ability to showcase their talents.

We go even further and provide actionable strategies to support students to not only cope but also thrive under pressure.

Be sure to tune in!

Prefer to watch? Check out my channel on YouTube

About Dr. Brice Willis

Brice is a registered psychologist in Alberta whose areas of expertise include general anxiety, coping with work stress, mental toughness, and enhancing sports, school, and work performance.

He has participated in several different sports and has competition experience at the local, provincial, national, and international levels. His experience has provided him with insight into the psychological, emotional, and physical demands that athletes face, as well as what is required for effective performance.

Check out his website: www.adaptiveminds.ca

And these useful resources (affiliate links):

Mind Gym: An Athlete's Guide to Inner Excellence - Gary Mack

The Mindful Athlete: Secrets to Pure Performance - George Mumford

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Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

104. Best of: How do we manage separation anxiety?

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 03 Oct 2023 07:00:00 GMT

Welcome to another insightful episode of Overpowering Emotions. Now that we are a month into school, I wanted to readdress a critically important topic - separation anxiety.

While it's entirely normal for young children to experience separation anxiety, its persistence into the elementary (and beyond!) can signal a more serious concern. This is especially true when it starts interfering with everyday activities like attending school or engaging in social interactions.

We recognize the challenges that children, parents, and teachers face when dealing with separation anxiety. However, we're also aware of the pitfalls that can inadvertently exacerbate the situation. Falling into these common traps, such as allowing avoidance or offering excessive reassurance, can inadvertently reinforce anxiety rather than alleviate it.

In this episode, I shed light on these traps and provide insights into a more effective approach. My goal is to empower parents, teachers, and caregivers with strategies that encourage children to confront their fears and develop resilience. I discuss how to navigate the delicate balance between support and encouraging growth, all while fostering the mastery of uncomfortable thoughts and feelings associated with separation anxiety.

By tuning in, you'll gain valuable perspectives on creating an environment that promotes emotional growth and equips children with the tools they need to manage separation anxiety constructively. Join me in exploring this vital aspect of childhood and beyond, as we work towards nurturing emotional well-being and empowering young minds to navigate life's challenges with confidence.

Remember, understanding and addressing separation anxiety is an essential step towards helping children build a foundation of emotional resilience that will serve them well throughout their lives.

Prefer to watch? Check out my YouTube channel

Enjoying the show? Help out by rating this podcast on Apple to help others get access to this information too! apple.co/3ysFijh

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Resources: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/resources/articles-child-resilience-well-being-psychology/

Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

103. How do we rethink time for well-being: For ourselves and our families? With Special Guest Jaimee Campanella

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 26 Sep 2023 07:00:00 GMT

Welcome to another enlightening episode of Overpowering Emotions. Today, I had the chance to speak with special guest Jaimee Campanella about a topic that many of us struggle with daily - our relationship with time. It's a topic that not only influences our personal emotional landscape but also holds profound implications for the well-being of our children and the harmony within our homes.

For many individuals, time is a major source of stress, marked by limiting beliefs that echo sentiments such as "there's never enough time" or feelings of being "out of control." Such beliefs can not only hinder personal growth and productivity but also create ripples in the family environment. As parents, our emotional state and time-related stress can inadvertently influence our children's perceptions of time, stress, and the world around them.

If you've heard me speak before, managing our own stress is crucial in the context of co-regulation, where parents play an instrumental role in helping their children regulate their emotions. When parents are continually stressed about time, it becomes increasingly difficult for them to effectively co-regulate with their kids. A rush-filled environment only reinforces feelings of anxiety and instability. In essence, by altering our relationship with time, we not only improve our own well-being but also reduce stress within the household, creating a more nurturing environment for our children's emotional and psychological growth.

Understanding and transforming our relationship with time is an essential step toward achieving our goals, as well as fostering well-being for ourselves and our families. Join us in this thought-provoking discussion and take a step towards not only transforming your relationship with time but also fostering a nurturing, stress-reduced environment. And for all parents tuning in, Jaimee will introduce her Family Calendar, a tool designed to transform time management into a manageable experience.

About Jaimee

Jaimee Campanella is a time strategist and productivity consultant who mentors and guides parents, professionals, and entrepreneurs to take control of their time. She is the creator and principal facilitator of the Time Power program that gives people the essential tools and strategies to avoid overwhelm and tame chaos so that they can regain control of their time for good.

Website: jaimeecampanella.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/jaimeecampanellaco/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/jaimeecampanellaco
LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaimeecampanella/
Youtube: Time Power created by Jaimee Campanella
Free Training: 3 Shifts to Take Control of Your Time: https://www.jaimeecampanella.com/training
Time Power Family Calendar: https://www.jaimeecampanella.com/family-calendar-details
Book A Free Consultation Call: https://www.jaimeecampanella.com/get-started
Learn More about the Time Power Program: https://www.jaimeecampanella.com/time-power

Enjoying the show? Help out by rating this podcast on Apple to help others get access to this information too! apple.co/3ysFijh

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Website: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/

Resources: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/resources/articles-child-resilience-well-being-psychology/

Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

102. How do we manage school avoidance? Part 3: Empowering Students

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 19 Sep 2023 06:00:00 GMT

Welcome back to the concluding part of our Best of Back to School Success series on managing school avoidance. If you happened to miss the preceding two episodes, I encourage you to catch up on them, as they lay the groundwork for fostering student triumph within a nurturing environment, guided by knowledgeable adults adept at skillfully addressing moments of anxiety.

In today's episode, I'm honing in on the vital skill set that students need to acquire, as well as the strategic processes we must implement to ensure their triumphant return to school.

The significance of tackling school refusal cannot be overstated. It's paramount to recognize that this issue transcends mere resistance to attending school; it holds the potential to disrupt a student's holistic development. Similarly, it's not merely about coaxing students back into classrooms; it's about empowering them to conquer their fears, insecurities, and anxieties.

When we tackle school refusal head-on, we pave the way towards holistic growth. We're creating a space where these students can not only excel academically but also nurture their emotional well-being, develop resilience, and foster a positive self-image.

For those eager to delve deeper into the intricacies, I invite you to join me in an immersive learning experience during my School Refusal training. This training will equip you with the precise techniques needed to conduct a comprehensive functional analysis, decipher the underlying triggers for students, and craft a robust re-entry plan that effectively manages school avoidance. (https://bit.ly/schoolrefusalworkshop)

Thank you for joining me in this exploration of managing school avoidance. Together, we can pave the way for a future where every student thrives.

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Website: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/

Resources: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/resources/articles-child-resilience-well-being-psychology/

Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

101. How do we manage school avoidance? Part 2: Unpacking treatment

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 12 Sep 2023 06:00:00 GMT

Welcome back to the next installment of the Back to School Success series. In today's episode, I jump into Part II of our exploration of School Avoidance, where I shift focus to treatment considerations. I discuss the necessity of adopting a comprehensive school-based approach and highlight the imperative to address the multifaceted needs of students, families, and schools.

Drawing from the resilience pyramid concept (https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/pyramidofresilience/), I emphasize the paramount importance of first establishing an optimal environment for students to thrive both at home and in the school setting. Specifically, we examine how we can transform schools into safe, welcoming, connected, and all-embracing spaces for our students.

Ensure you tune in to this week's episode to uncover any unaddressed needs that might be hindering progress. This episode will lay the groundwork for our upcoming discussion where I will delve into the essential skills students need to acquire, as well as the formulation of tailored re-entry plans.

And, if you're eager to embark on a more profound exploration with me and gain comprehensive insights into conducting a functional analysis and designing effective re-entry strategies for managing school avoidance, make sure you don't miss the opportunity to participate in my School Refusal training. (https://bit.ly/schoolrefusalworkshop)

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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrCarolineBuzanko/

Website: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/

Resources: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/resources/articles-child-resilience-well-being-psychology/

Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

100. Best of: How do we manage school avoidance? Part 1: The foundation for success

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 05 Sep 2023 06:00:00 GMT

To kick off my 100th! episode of Overpowering Emotions, I wanted to revisit the BEST OF my Back to School success episodes. This three-part series is one of the most crucial topics I have addressed on this show and that holds immense significance in the realm of education. Specifically: School-avoidant behaviours. School avoidance (or refusal) is a multifaceted concern that necessitates a three-part dissection to adequately address its complexities.

In this first segment, I establish the fundamental pillars of thought that must be laid to provide these students with a strong foundation for their journey toward success. This episode is not one to be overlooked, as the issue of school avoidance is a genuine crisis. The absence of proper support places these students in a state of vulnerability, exposing them to an array of risks spanning social, emotional, psychological, and even physical well-being.

For those eager to take a deep dive into the subject and acquire an in-depth understanding of conducting a functional analysis to decode the intricacies of student behaviour, as well as crafting a potent re-entry strategy to effectively manage school avoidance, I'd love to have you join my School Refusal training (https://bit.ly/schoolrefusalworkshop). Your proactive participation could make a transformative difference in the lives of these students.

Prefer to watch? https://youtu.be/VlwOAsc1iOU

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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrCarolineBuzanko/

Website: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/

Resources: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/resources/articles-child-resilience-well-being-psychology/

Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

99. How can Goal Setting unleash an academic edge?

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 29 Aug 2023 06:00:00 GMT

Welcome to the next installment of this Back to School Success Series! As parents and educators, we all share the common goal of helping our kids thrive emotionally and academically. A key element in this journey is fostering a sense of achievement within the school environment.

In today's episode, we explore a fundamental aspect of academic accomplishment that reaches beyond mere grades – the art of Goal Setting. This skill acts as a cornerstone for success, empowering students to become confident, self-assured learners who are ready to conquer challenges and embrace growth.

Join me as we dive into the heart of this transformative skill and uncover how goal-setting can pave the way for a brighter future for our children. Together, let's equip the next generation with the tools they need to flourish academically and beyond.

Be sure to check out this SMART GOAL worksheet to get you started!

AND check out these other resources:

Problem solving (https://korupsychology.ca/develop-problem-solving-skills/)
Making informed decisions (https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/resilience-unleashed-7088903090866712577/)
Goal setting post: https://korupsychology.ca/setting-goals/

Prefer to WATCH? https://youtu.be/paQ4jRsWCAs

Enjoying the show? Help out by rating this podcast on Apple to help others get access to this information too! apple.co/3ysFijh

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YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.carolinebuzanko

IG: https://www.instagram.com/dr.carolinebuzanko/

LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/dr-caroline-buzanko

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrCarolineBuzanko/

Website: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/

Resources: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/resources/articles-child-resilience-well-being-psychology/

Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

98. How do we nurture academic success with parental engagement?

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 22 Aug 2023 06:00:00 GMT

Welcome to another invigorating episode of Overpowering Emotions, your guide to building resilient, empowered kids!

In this segment, Dr. Caroline discusses the dynamic world of parental involvement and its profound impact on children’s academic success.

Join her as she shares ways to foster strong parent-teacher relationships, amplify the educational journey, and nurture a supportive environment that propels student growth.

From regular communication to practical engagement, she uncovers the power of positive parental involvement that paves the way for a brighter, more successful future.

Tune in now!

Be sure to also check out her post on this very topic: https://korupsychology.ca/parental-engagement-in-school

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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrCarolineBuzanko/

Website: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/

Resources: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/resources/articles-child-resilience-well-being-psychology/

Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

97. How do we nurture problem solving skills?

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 15 Aug 2023 06:00:00 GMT

Welcome back to another episode of Overpowering Emotions. Today, Dr. Caroline jumps into the heart of essential life skills – Problem-Solving Skills!

While it's tempting to categorize this as just a "school" skill, it's so much more. Explore the benefits, from fostering critical thinking to cultivating resilience and creativity.

Dr. Caroline also reveals the power of teaching problem-solving using a systematic framework, along with additional ideas to nurture these skills in children and teens.

Get ready to empower them with a life-long toolset for overcoming challenges and marching confidently through life.

Want more? Check out these additional resources!

* Problem solving post (https://korupsychology.ca/develop-problem-solving-skills/)

* Article on making informed decisions (https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/resilience-unleashed-7088903090866712577/)

* Goal-setting (https://korupsychology.ca/setting-goals/)

Enjoying the show? Help out by rating this podcast on Apple to help others get access to this information too! apple.co/3ysFijh

Follow Dr. Caroline

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.carolinebuzanko

IG: https://www.instagram.com/dr.carolinebuzanko/

LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/dr-caroline-buzanko

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrCarolineBuzanko/

Website: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/

Resources: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/resources/articles-child-resilience-well-being-psychology/

Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

96. How do we establish healthy habits for our kids?

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 08 Aug 2023 06:00:00 GMT

As the new school year begins, families around the world are preparing to send their children back to school. Amidst the excitement and anticipation, there lies an essential aspect that deserves our utmost attention: instilling healthy habits and routines in children not only during this transitional phase but throughout their lives.

In this episode of Overpowering Emotions, I discuss the importance of establishing healthy habits early on and how they can shape a child's future for the better. We know that habits formed in early years often carry over into adulthood, significantly impacting their overall quality of life. Importantly, I discuss essential healthy habits that shape our children’s overall health, but also their social-emotional well-being and academic success. I provide insights on how to encourage and reinforce these habits in a positive and nurturing way. And, just as importantly, how to be an effective role model in our child's journey toward a healthier lifestyle. Further, I cannot emphasize enough how important consistent routines are to provide stability and a sense of security, promoting emotional well-being.

As we navigate the challenges of modern-day distractions, screen time, and peer influence, it s essential to uncover strategies to help children develop resilience and self-discipline. Join me as we champion the cause of establishing healthy habits and routines for kids. Don't miss this episode, with practical tips to nurture a healthier and happier tomorrow.

Check out these additional resources:

Comprehensive guide to conquering back-to-school anxiety: https://bit.ly/Conquering_Back-to-School_Anxiety
Critical routines your children need to develop: https://korupsychology.ca/essential-routines-for-success-and-well-being/
The importance of healthy habits: https://korupsychology.ca/establish-healthy-habits/

Prefer to watch? https://youtu.be/AlKfEcday-w

Enjoying the show? Help out by rating this podcast on Apple to help others get access to this information too! apple.co/3ysFijh

Follow Dr. Caroline

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.carolinebuzanko

IG: https://www.instagram.com/dr.carolinebuzanko/

LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/dr-caroline-buzanko

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrCarolineBuzanko/

Website: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/

Resources: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/resources/articles-child-resilience-well-being-psychology/

Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

95. How do we help kids transition back to school successfully? (General tips)

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 01 Aug 2023 06:00:00 GMT

Are you ready to kickstart the new school year with ease and confidence? Join Caroline in today’s episode of Overpowering Emotions where she presents a treasure trove of valuable tips and strategies to ensure a smooth back-to-school transition for your children and teens. While she will be getting into specific skills, today she focuses on general routines to focus on to make this year’s transition as smooth as possible.

If you haven't already, be sure to check out Caroline's comprehensive guide to conquering back-to-school anxiety here: https://bit.ly/Conquering_Back-to-School_Anxiety and her article with critical routines that your children need to develop: https://korupsychology.ca/essential-routines-for-success-and-well-being/

Enjoying the show? Help out by rating this podcast on Apple to help others get access to this information too! apple.co/3ysFijh

Follow Dr. Caroline

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.carolinebuzanko

IG: https://www.instagram.com/dr.carolinebuzanko/

LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/dr-caroline-buzanko

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrCarolineBuzanko/

Website: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/

Resources: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/resources/articles-child-resilience-well-being-psychology/

Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

94. How do we help kids manage back-to-school worries?

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 25 Jul 2023 06:00:00 GMT

Today Caroline shifts to a School Success series. In today's episode, she talks specifically about managing back-to-school worries and equipping children for a smooth and confident transition.

As the new school year approaches, it's natural for children to feel a mix of excitement and apprehension. Parents definitely face challenges in helping their kids navigate this time of change. Caroline shares practical strategies to overcome these challenges and to empower our children for success.

Join Caroline as she explores effective ways to address those worries that start to creep in while nurturing a supportive environment that encourages open communication and emotional well-being.

Let’s build a toolkit of resilience for our children so they embrace the new school year with excitement and enthusiasm.

If you're a parent, educator, or anyone who cares for children during this time of transition, this episode is a must-listen! Ensure all children embark on this back-to-school journey with a strong foundation of support, love, and readiness to thrive.

And, be sure to check out Caroline's comprehensive guide to conquering back-to-school anxiety here: https://bit.ly/Conquering_Back-to-School_Anxiety

Enjoying the show? Help out by rating this podcast on Apple to help others get access to this information too! apple.co/3ysFijh

Follow Dr. Caroline

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.carolinebuzanko

IG: https://www.instagram.com/dr.carolinebuzanko/

LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/dr-caroline-buzanko

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrCarolineBuzanko/

Website: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/

Resources: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/resources/articles-child-resilience-well-being-psychology/

Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

93. How do we minimize retraumatization and build resilience?

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 18 Jul 2023 06:00:00 GMT

Welcome to a thought-provoking episode of Overpowering Emotions, where I explore the multifaceted journey of fostering attachments and building safety in therapeutic relationships. Your feedback has inspired me to dive deeper into this topic, as we recognize the crucial role that relationships play in helping children and teens develop emotional regulation skills and navigate their complex inner worlds.

In today's episode, I embark on a quest to help everyone understand the significance of recognizing each individual's unique set of genes and life experiences as the foundation for building safety. I delve into the power of empathy and the importance of acknowledging that different perspectives can shape our interpretations of situations. Together, we'll uncover how seemingly positive gestures can unintentionally trigger trauma responses in certain individuals, and explore the impact of our words and actions on their emotional well-being.

I start by acknowledging that what may appear insignificant to us can hold great importance to children. Their developing brains process information differently, and our role as adults is to validate their experiences, understanding that their emotions are valid and deserving of empathy.

Next, I turn our attention to the profound influence of trauma on how individuals interpret and respond to certain situations. Traumatic experiences can shape their perception of the world and themselves, leading to distorted interpretations, heightened emotional reactions, and altered belief systems. I shed light on how trauma survivors may experience triggers that elicit intense emotional and physical responses, emphasizing the need for sensitivity and understanding in our interactions.

Within the paradox of care and triggers, we recognize the delicate balance between providing support and inadvertently retraumatizing individuals. Acts of kindness can unknowingly activate trauma responses, making them feel vulnerable and triggering feelings of overexposure. I explore strategies to approach kindness with empathy and patience, allowing individuals to set their own pace for accepting and reciprocating care. By creating a safe and consistent environment, we help them rebuild trust and experience the positive effects of genuine acts of kindness.

Restraints, although used to ensure safety, can be retraumatizing for children with a history of physical abuse. I explore the importance of trauma-informed practices and communication to minimize triggers and create an environment that promotes healing and resilience. By actively listening, respecting boundaries, and incorporating trauma-informed care principles, we strive to create a safe and predictable environment where individuals feel heard, understood, and supported.

Throughout this episode, I emphasize the significance of embracing diverse perspectives, honouring the individuality of experiences, and acknowledging the complexities that underlie each person's journey. By doing so, we foster attachments and build safety, empowering children and teens to navigate their emotions and develop healthier coping mechanisms.

Join me as I navigate the intricacies of building safety and fostering attachments in therapeutic relationships. Let's create a world where empathy and understanding thrive, paving the way for healing and growth. Tune in and be a part of the transformative power of genuine connections.

Enjoying the show? Help out by rating this podcast on Apple to help others get access to this information too! apple.co/3ysFijh

Follow Dr. Caroline

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.carolinebuzanko

IG: https://www.instagram.com/dr.carolinebuzanko/

LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/dr-caroline-buzanko

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrCarolineBuzanko/

Website: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/

Resources: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/resources/articles-child-resilience-well-being-psychology/

Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

92. How can we foster resilience from prenatal to childhood experiences?

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 11 Jul 2023 06:00:00 GMT

In this episode of Overpowering emotions, I dive into the profound connection between prenatal and early life experiences with trauma and their enduring impact on our emotional well-being and relationships. In this enlightening discussion, I highlight the crucial role of trauma-informed prenatal care, recognizing its significance in nurturing emotional well-being right from the earliest stages of life.

I then venture further into the realm of childhood attachments, unraveling how they shape deep-seated expectations that influence our entire lives. Learn practical strategies and insightful perspectives to foster resilience, cultivate well-being, and create a safe space for growth and healing.

Whether you're a parent, caregiver, educator, mental health professional, or simply curious about the profound influence of early life experiences, this episode promises a wealth of knowledge and actionable tools.

Don't miss out on this exploration of prenatal and early experiences, trauma, and the transformative power of addressing kids' deep-seated expectations. Tune in and embark on a journey towards understanding, healing, and creating a brighter future for our children and ourselves.

Enjoying the show? Help out by rating this podcast on Apple to help others get access to this information too! apple.co/3ysFijh

Follow Dr. Caroline

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.carolinebuzanko

IG: https://www.instagram.com/dr.carolinebuzanko/

LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/dr-caroline-buzanko

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrCarolineBuzanko/

Website: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/

Resources: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/resources/articles-child-resilience-well-being-psychology/

Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

91. Nurturing Secure Connections: What is the Focus of Trauma Work Depending on Attachment Styles?

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 04 Jul 2023 06:01:00 GMT

In today's episode of Overpowering Emotions, I explore attachment styles and specific strategies to support children and teens with different attachment patterns. I discuss the unique challenges children and teens with different attachment styles face and how each attachment style manifests. I explore the importance of building trust, establishing boundaries, and fostering autonomy while respecting individual differences. I also uncover their specific needs and share practical strategies to help them thrive.

From creating a safe and nurturing environment to promoting emotional expression, learn how to support children and teens along their attachment journey.

Enjoying the show? Help out by rating this podcast on Apple to help others get access to this information too! apple.co/3ysFijh

Follow Dr. Caroline

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.carolinebuzanko

IG: https://www.instagram.com/dr.carolinebuzanko/

LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/dr-caroline-buzanko

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrCarolineBuzanko/

Website: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/

Resources: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/resources/articles-child-resilience-well-being-psychology/

Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

90. What's the Powerful Connection between Trauma and Attachment?

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 27 Jun 2023 06:01:00 GMT

In today’s episode of Overpowering Emotions, I discuss the profound link between trauma and attachment and how these intertwined factors shape our relationships, well-being, and capacity for growth. I will discuss how trauma can disrupt attachment processes, leading to a wide range of emotional and relational challenges. I also discuss the significance of creating safe and nurturing environments to support children and teens affected by trauma, fostering secure attachments as a pathway to healing and resilience.

Whether you are a parent, caregiver, therapist, or simply interested in the complexities of human connection, tune in to uncover the powerful connection between trauma and attachment, and discover how understanding this dynamic can empower children, teens, individuals, and families on their journey towards healing and resilience.

Enjoying the show? Help out by rating this podcast on Apple to help others get access to this information too! apple.co/3ysFijh

Follow Dr. Caroline

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.carolinebuzanko

IG: https://www.instagram.com/dr.carolinebuzanko/

LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/dr-caroline-buzanko

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrCarolineBuzanko/

Website: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/

Resources: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/resources/articles-child-resilience-well-being-psychology/

Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

89. Why is the nervous system vital for managing trauma? Part 2: Window of Tolerance

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 20 Jun 2023 06:00:00 GMT

In today’s episode of Overpowering Emotions, I continue to talk about the nervous system and strengthening its flexibility. I introduce the concept of the window of tolerance and how it influences our ability to adapt to stressors in our environment.

I discuss the factors that can contribute to a small window of tolerance in children. From trauma and anxiety to sensory sensitivities and living in chronically stressful environments, these challenges limit emotion regulation and executive functioning, leading to rigidities and inflexibility within the nervous system that can manifest behaviourally.

It is important to recognize that all children have different window sizes. Those with small windows need lots of empathy, understanding, and patience from the adults around them.

We can, however, help children develop a larger window of tolerance (and a more flexible nervous system) through foundational pillars for optimal functioning and strategies to strengthen their emotional literacy and emotion regulation capacity. Children and teens also need to learn to map their nervous system to develop self-awareness.

Tune in to learn more!

Prefer to watch? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fiE9xPTuJR4&t=193s

Enjoying the show? Help out by rating this podcast on Apple to help others get access to this information too! apple.co/3ysFijh

Follow Dr. Caroline

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.carolinebuzanko

IG: https://www.instagram.com/dr.carolinebuzanko/

LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/dr-caroline-buzanko

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrCarolineBuzanko/

Website: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/

Resources: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/resources/articles-child-resilience-well-being-psychology/

Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

88. Why is (understanding) the nervous system vital in managing anxiety and trauma?

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 13 Jun 2023 06:00:00 GMT

In today’s episode of Overpowering Emotions, I delve into the intricate workings of the nervous system and uncover the crucial link between our brain, body, and emotional well-being.

Anxiety and trauma affect millions of individuals worldwide, presenting complex challenges that can significantly impact daily life. To effectively address and navigate these experiences, it is essential to understand the nervous system. As we dissect the intricate web of neurons and synapses, we discover how our brain and body communicate to shape our emotional responses.

Throughout this episode, I break down the complex nature of the nervous system and offer invaluable insights into the connection between the nervous system and pathways involved in anxiety and trauma responses. Understanding how the nervous system interacts with and influences our emotions, thoughts, and behaviours is critical to helping kiddos manage their anxiety. After all, our nervous system has a remarkable capacity to adapt and rewire itself to foster resilience and promote healing.

Prefer to watch? Check out the video at https://youtu.be/M59UlL6tohQ

Enjoying the show? Help out by rating this podcast on Apple to help others get access to this information too! apple.co/3ysFijh

Follow Dr. Caroline

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.carolinebuzanko

IG: https://www.instagram.com/dr.carolinebuzanko/

LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/dr-caroline-buzanko

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrCarolineBuzanko/

Website: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/

Resources: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/resources/articles-child-resilience-well-being-psychology/

Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

87. Anxiety, Trauma, and Play with Angie Berrett

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 06 Jun 2023 21:31:10 GMT

We know the importance of play in childhood. But play is important throughout our entire life because it offers many benefits for our physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Play can reduce stress, improve our mood, and boost our learning, problem-solving, and creativity. Play is also a fantastic way to express ourselves, connect with others, and experience joy and pleasure.

Importantly, play can also be a powerful tool in managing anxiety and trauma. Engaging in playful activities allows us to express ourselves freely and creatively, which can also help us process difficult emotions and experiences in a safe and supportive environment. Play also has the ability to promote resilience and emotional regulation.

In today's episode, I had the chance to talk with Angie Berret about the power of play and why play is so helpful in managing anxiety and trauma. Do not miss this fantastic conversation!

Want to watch? Watch here: https://youtu.be/l0red_vzRkY

About Angie:

Angie Berrett (she/they) is an Intuitive Movement Coach, Registered Nurse, Advanced Trauma-Informed Yoga Instructor, and Stand-Up Paddleboard Yoga Instructor who understands the human body and how it works. She helps people relieve stress, anxiety, depression, and trauma through play, movements, and fun so they can have healing and peace in their lives.

Check out her blog post about the power of play in healing complex trauma:

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/simplifying-complex-trauma/202208/playfully-moving-trauma-and-pain-healing-and-peace

How to find Angie:

https://angieberrettmovement.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/angieberrettmovement/

https://Instagram.com/angieberrettmovement

https://www.facebook.com/AngieBerrettMovement

Enjoying the show? Help out by rating this podcast on Apple to help others get access to this information too! apple.co/3ysFijh

Follow Dr. Caroline

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.carolinebuzanko

IG: https://www.instagram.com/dr.carolinebuzanko/

LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/dr-caroline-buzanko

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrCarolineBuzanko/

Website: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/

Resources: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/resources/articles-child-resilience-well-being-psychology/

Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

86. Anxiety and Trauma with Special Guest Patricia Morgan

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 30 May 2023 06:00:00 GMT

Today I had the opportunity to I had the chance to speak with Patricia Morgan about anxiety and trauma. Anxiety and trauma are often closely linked. Indeed, traumatic experiences can lead to the development of anxiety disorders, and individuals who have anxiety disorders may be more susceptible to trauma. This is such an important topic because anxiety and trauma not only affect our mental and physical health, but they can also limit our success in relationships, and even day-to-day functioning.

It is essential to understand the anxiety and trauma and how to address them effectively. This is an important discussion because traumatic events are stored differently in the brain and therefore there are specific treatment considerations.

Tune in for an insightful and informative discussion on managing anxiety and trauma.

About Patricia:

With a Masters Degree in Clinical Psychology, Patricia Morgan works with organizations and individuals who want to strengthen their everyday resilience. She provides bite-sized nuggets of insight to help people emerge stronger after facing unthinkable challenge. Patricia’s books include From Woe to WOW: How Resilient Women Succeed at Work and the Canadian bestseller, Frantic Free: 167 Ways to Lighten Up and Calm Down. Patricia was named a Woman of Vision by Global TV and is a recipient of the Spirit of CAPS (Canadian Association of Professional Speakers) for her contribution to the Canadian speaking industry. Patricia is often referred to as a spunky seniorpreneur as she is an author, speaker, therapist, mother to three, grandmother to five, great-grandma to two . . . and happily married most days. ❤️🐞

Follow Patricia: https://www.solutionsforresilience.com/

Books we discussed in today's episode:

Easy Ego State Interventions: Strategies for working with parts (Robin Shapiro)

Get Past Your Past (Francine Shapiro)

No Bad Parts: Healing Trauma and Restoring Wholeness with the Internal Family Systems Model (Dr. Richard Schwartz)

Polyvagal Exercises for Therapists and Clients: 50 Client-Centered Practices (Deb Dana)

The Polyvagal Theory (Stephen Porges)

Homecoming: Reclaiming and Healing your Inner Child (John Bradshaw)

Growing Up Again: Parening Ourselves, Parenting Our Children (Jean Illsley Clarke)

What happened to you? Conversations on Trauma, Resilience, and Healing (Oprah Winfrey & Bruce Perry)

Atlas of the Heart (Brenee Brown)

Enjoying the show? Help out by rating this podcast on Apple to help others get access to this information too! apple.co/3ysFijh

Follow Dr. Caroline

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.carolinebuzanko

IG: https://www.instagram.com/dr.carolinebuzanko/

LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/dr-caroline-buzanko

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrCarolineBuzanko/

Website: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/

Resources: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/resources/articles-child-resilience-well-being-psychology/

Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

85. How do you navigate anxiety and trauma? Part 2

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 23 May 2023 06:00:00 GMT

Today I dive into Part 2 on anxiety and trauma. While there are some approaches that are similar for both, there are some special considerations with trauma. After all, traumatic memories can stay trapped in the amygdala and continue to trigger scary thoughts and big emotions that keep us stuck in traumatic responses.

Because trauma disrupts the connections in the brain, we need to rewire the brain to be more integrated and connected. Listen in to hear more on today’s episode of Overpowering Emotions!

Prefer to watch? https://youtu.be/LTuZUnOWyko

Enjoying the show? Help out by rating this podcast on Apple to help others get access to this information too! apple.co/3ysFijh

Follow Dr. Caroline

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.carolinebuzanko

IG: https://www.instagram.com/dr.carolinebuzanko/

LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/dr-caroline-buzanko

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrCarolineBuzanko/

Website: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/

Resources: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/resources/articles-child-resilience-well-being-psychology/

Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

84. How do you navigate anxiety and trauma? Part 1

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 16 May 2023 06:00:00 GMT

In today's episode of Overpowering Emotions, I lay the foundation for understanding trauma and anxiety.

Trauma is defined as an event or experience that overwhelms an individual's ability to cope, leading to feelings of intense fear, helplessness, and horror. Anxiety, on the other hand, is an excessive and persistent worry and fear.

While not everyone who experiences trauma develops an anxiety disorder, trauma can be a significant risk factor for developing anxiety. Trauma can alter the brain's stress response system, making individuals more sensitive to stress and more prone to anxiety. Additionally, avoidance behaviours that may develop as a coping mechanism after trauma can also contribute to the development of anxiety disorders.

Listen in to hear more about trauma and anxiety in Part 1 of this series.

Prefer to watch? https://youtu.be/zwkoTMSZh9U

Enjoying the show? Help out by rating this podcast on Apple to help others get access to this information too! apple.co/3ysFijh

Follow Dr. Caroline

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.carolinebuzanko

IG: https://www.instagram.com/dr.carolinebuzanko/

LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/dr-caroline-buzanko

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrCarolineBuzanko/

Website: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/

Resources: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/resources/articles-child-resilience-well-being-psychology/

Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

83. Neurolinguistic Programming to treat anxiety, depression, and trauma with Dr. Tonia Winchester

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 09 May 2023 17:39:06 GMT

In today's episode, I am joined by fabulous Dr. Tonia Winchester who chats about how we can use Neurolinguistic programming (NLP) to help - not just manage - but heal old emotional pain and stories that are keeping us from being who we want to be, doing what we want to be doing, and having what we want to be having.

NLP is a psychological approach that focuses on the relationship between the neurological processes of the brain, language, and behavioural patterns. It is based on the belief that language and behaviour are interconnected and that, by changing the language and thought patterns we use, we can change our behaviour and the outcomes we achieve. Moreover, by changing the way we think and talk about our experiences, we can shift our perspective and reduce the impact of negative emotions while developing new patterns of behaviour that promote resilience, healing, and well-being.

Dr. Tonia talks about how she guides her clients through a "Breakthrough" process where they easily and gently clear the past, and recode their unconscious minds, priming them to make and sustain positive changes in their health and beyond. The results are a strengthened connection to self - more self-love, worth, and value - allowing them to take care of themselves in a self-affirming way, build happy, meaningful relationships and compelling futures.

Don't miss this incredible episode!

Prefer to WATCH? https://youtu.be/VuN1DIjdd2c

More about Dr. Tonia Winchester:

Dr. Tonia Winchester has been in practice as a licensed Naturopathic Doctor since 2007. Now as a Neuro Linguistic Programming Master Coach and Practitioner, she uses contemporary brain-based techniques to transform people's minds so they can transform their lives.

She helps women break through burnout, stress, anxiety, pain, and fatigue so that they can find joy and energy again - ultimately allowing them to create exceptional lives for themselves, their families and communities.

When she's not transforming lives she is getting lost (and found) in the forest, salsa dancing, and turning paper into pretty things.

Her book, Smiling in the Shower: The Simple Swift Way to Breakthrough Burnout and Create Happy Energized Days is available at toniawinchester.com

Check out these resources:

How emotions are made by Lisa Feldman Barrett

Behave by Robert Sapolsky

The myth of normal by Gabor Mate

:) Smiling in the Shower :) by Tonia Winchester

Follow her at Toniawinchester.com

Facebook.com/coachtonia

Instagram.com/coachtonia

Enjoying the show? Help out by rating this podcast on Apple to help others get access to this information too! apple.co/3ysFijh

Follow Dr. Caroline

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.carolinebuzanko

IG: https://www.instagram.com/dr.carolinebuzanko/

LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/dr-caroline-buzanko

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrCarolineBuzanko/

Website: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/

Resources: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/resources/articles-child-resilience-well-being-psychology/

Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

82. Teen Depression and Suicide with Elliot Kallen

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 02 May 2023 06:00:00 GMT

Every year, millions of teenagers struggle with thoughts of depression, deep sadness, isolation, stress, and helplessness. Because of their mental health issues, thousands die by suicide, making it one of North America's leading causes of death among teens. Sadly, and too often, the parents of these teens are the last to learn about their child's mental problems, and sometimes it's too late to take action.

In today's episode, Elliot Kallen talks about his work educating teens, young adults, and their families, about depression and suicide to save lives. Tune in to hear more about the signs to watch out for and what we can do to support the children and teens in our lives.

About Elliot Kallen

Elliot is the Co-Founder and President of A Brighter Day, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping teens manage depression and stress. Elliot and his wife started the nonprofit in 2015 in memory of their youngest son, Jake, who died by suicide at 19.

A Brighter Day aims to stop teen suicide by educating teens and their parents about mental disorders, and providing resources they can use to reach out and communicate when depression and stress are affecting either their own or the lives of those around them.

Find out more about A Brighter Day and access their free resources at: https://abrighterday.info/

Enjoying the show? Help out by rating this podcast on Apple to help others get access to this information too! apple.co/3ysFijh

Follow Dr. Caroline

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.carolinebuzanko

IG: https://www.instagram.com/dr.carolinebuzanko/

LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/dr-caroline-buzanko

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrCarolineBuzanko/

Website: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/

Resources: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/resources/articles-child-resilience-well-being-psychology/

Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

81. Anxiety and Suicidal Ideation with Jayne Wesler

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 25 Apr 2023 06:15:00 GMT

In today's episode, I have the opportunity to speak with Jayne Wesler about her new book Railroaded, which tells the story of a young ADHD man surrounded by a rash of recent suicides. We also chat about the shame epidemic of ADHD, the pressures of today's children and teens, and key skills children and teens must learn and that parents must model. Importantly, we talk about what to watch out for in case a child may experience suicidal ideation and how we can support them.

And, sprinkled along the way, I mention some scary research, such as the link between media and teen suicide (whether social media or shows, such as the 30% increase in suicide after the show 13 Reasons Why aired) and even the strong association between suicide-story publicity and subsequent airplane and automobile accidents.

Don't miss today's important episode!

Prefer to watch? https://youtu.be/xJrQi2UEEdg

About Jayne

Jayne M. Wesler is an author, licensed clinical social worker, and attorney. As a partner in the law firm of Sussan, Greenwald, & Wesler, Ms. Wesler has for decades helped students with disabilities obtain the kind of educational programming that helps them achieve success. As a psychotherapist, she has worked with teens and children in various settings, including schools and mental health settings. As an author, Ms. Wesler now pours her experience into her fiction to entertain and to teach lessons.

Ms. Wesler wrote Railroaded to demonstrate that students with disabilities and troubled teens can lead happy, productive lives if they are given the support they need.

Follow Jayne

Website: jayne@jaynewesler.com

Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100087760443305

Facebook group for parents of kids with special needs: https://www.facebook.com/groups/582193559118338

Amazon author page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Jayne-M-Wesler/author/B08NHTTWSB?ref

Extra Resources

Talkspace app: www.tapping.com (emotional freedom tapping)

Handbook for Parents of Children with Special Needs: A Therapeutic and Legal Approach. https://www.amazon.com/Handbook-Parents-Children-Special-Needs/dp/1735540501

Enjoying the show? Help out by rating this podcast on Apple to help others get access to this information too! apple.co/3ysFijh

Follow Dr. Caroline

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.carolinebuzanko

IG: https://www.instagram.com/dr.carolinebuzanko/

LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/dr-caroline-buzanko

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrCarolineBuzanko/

Website: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/

Resources: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/resources/articles-child-resilience-well-being-psychology/

Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

80. What is the relationship between anxiety and depression connected (and how do we help kids manage)?

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 18 Apr 2023 06:00:00 GMT

In today’s installment of my comorbidity series, I explore the relationship between depression and anxiety, two of the most common mental health disorders that affect millions of people worldwide, and why they often occur together.

These diagnoses are often talked about separately, but they often coexist. In fact, more than half of the people experiencing depression also have anxiety.

Although there are key differences, there are a lot of similarities between anxiety and depression as well, including some overlapping symptoms and contributing factors.

This is an important topic because, when they co-occur, they can reinforce each other and even make each other worse.

It is therefore important to understand the key pathways to depression and anxiety and what we need to prioritize to help children and teens manage these effectively. Especially since treatment can look very different from treating one alone. And focusing on the wrong thing can actually make things worse. All things I discuss today, so be sure to listen in!

Prefer to watch? You can check out my video: https://youtu.be/iJzLGFG_CZU

Enjoying the show? Help out by rating this podcast on Apple to help others get access to this information too! apple.co/3ysFijh

Follow Dr. Caroline

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.carolinebuzanko

IG: https://www.instagram.com/dr.carolinebuzanko/

LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/dr-caroline-buzanko

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrCarolineBuzanko/

Website: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/

Resources: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/resources/articles-child-resilience-well-being-psychology/

Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

79. Anxiety and PDA: Unravelling the Complex Relationship (Part 2)

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 11 Apr 2023 06:01:00 GMT

In today’s episode, I continue my discussion on Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) and the best way to support these kiddos. I discuss the importance of understanding the child or teen’s unique profile, including their sensory needs and communication style in creating the most effective support.

The typical strategies we would use to support anxious, or even autistic, children and teens do not necessarily work with these kiddos. Learn what does work and how interventions can be adapted using a collaborative and flexible approach.

Given that PDA is relatively new, this is an important episode for anyone working with neurodivergent kiddos who have trouble managing the demands of everyday life. You will gain valuable insights into how to support these complex and often misunderstood kiddos.

And, if you missed part one last week, be sure to go back and listen in because I talk about key characteristics of PDA, including the avoidance of demands, difficulties with social communication, and a need for control.

Enjoying the show? Help out by rating this podcast on Apple to help others get access to this information too! apple.co/3ysFijh

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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrCarolineBuzanko/

Website: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/

Resources: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/resources/articles-child-resilience-well-being-psychology/

Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

78. Anxiety and PDA: Unravelling the Complex Relationship (Part 1)

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 04 Apr 2023 06:00:00 GMT

In today’s episode of Overpowering Emotions, I dive into the misunderstood world of Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) and its link to anxiety. In Part One today, I discuss the key characteristics of PDA, including the avoidance of demands, difficulties with social communication, and a need for control.

PDA is often misunderstood. Unfortunately, without a clear understanding of PDA, children and teens may receive inappropriate supports that fail to address their specific needs and can worsen their anxiety and worsen avoidant behaviours. Even worse, these kiddos may be stigmatized and considered "difficult" or "oppositional.”

This episode is a must-listen to learn more about PDA and ensure that these children and teens receive the support and intervention they need to thrive.

Enjoying the show? Help out by rating this podcast on Apple to help others get access to this information too! apple.co/3ysFijh

Follow Dr. Caroline

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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrCarolineBuzanko/

Website: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/

Resources: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/resources/articles-child-resilience-well-being-psychology/

Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

77. The Anxiety-Autism Connection: How to Manage Both? Part 2

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 28 Mar 2023 06:00:00 GMT

Today I jump into Part 2 on the anxiety-autism connection and how to manage both.

Last week I discussed the link between autism and anxiety and important considerations when supporting autistic children and teens. This week I continue the conversation by discussing the variables that maintain anxiety and how to best manage anxiety.

The link between anxiety and autism highlights the importance of addressing the unique considerations of anxiety in our autistic children and teens. Fortunately, there are many strategies that can help them manage their anxiety while also improving socialization, mental health, academic performance, independence, and quality of life.

Whatever we do to support these children and teens, it is important to maintain empathy, understanding, and a commitment to evidence-based practices. In doing so, we can help our autistic children and teens to achieve their full potential and to live fulfilling lives.

If you are a mental health professional who diagnoses autism, be sure to check out my workshop on differentiating Autism from ADHD and other common comorbidities, including anxiety and trauma: https://koru-learning-institute.thinkific.com/courses/differential-diagnosis

Enjoying the show? Help out by rating this podcast on Apple to help others get access to this information too! apple.co/3ysFijh

Follow Dr. Caroline

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.carolinebuzanko

IG: https://www.instagram.com/dr.carolinebuzanko/

LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/dr-caroline-buzanko

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrCarolineBuzanko/

Website: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/

Resources: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/resources/articles-child-resilience-well-being-psychology/

Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

76. The Anxiety-Autism Connection: How to Manage Both? (Part 1)

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 21 Mar 2023 06:10:00 GMT

This week I continue the comorbidity series. This is Part 1 of my dive into unpacking the anxiety-autism connection.In this week's installment of my comorbidity series, I dive into Part 1 of the anxiety-autism connection in (Part 1).

Anxiety is a common experience for many kiddos, but autistic children and teens are particularly vulnerable. Today I discuss what is happening in the brain and the differences between autistic-related anxiety and our shared understanding of anxiety. I also discuss the difference between OCD behaviours and stimming.

The link between anxiety and autism is complex and multifaceted. The link between anxiety and autism is multifaceted, and several factors contribute to this link. Social differences, differences in processing information, sensory sensitivities, alexithymia, and intolerance to uncertainty are just a few examples.

Understanding the difference between autism-related anxieties and co-occurring anxiety is critical to develop individualized strategies that will be most effective for managing anxiety and promoting success for our children and teens.

Enjoying the show? Help out by rating this podcast on Apple to help others get access to this information too! apple.co/3ysFijh

Follow Dr. Caroline

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.carolinebuzanko

IG: https://www.instagram.com/dr.carolinebuzanko/

LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/dr-caroline-buzanko

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrCarolineBuzanko/

Website: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/

Resources: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/resources/articles-child-resilience-well-being-psychology/

Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

75. Differentiating ADHD & Autism Part 2 (RECAST)

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 14 Mar 2023 06:00:00 GMT

This week is Part 2 of my interview with Dr. Jeremy Sharp, as first seen on The Testing Psychologist (https://www.thetestingpsychologist.com/348-differentiating-adhd-asd-part-2-w-dr-caroline-buzanko/) in which I dive into a discussion of differentiating ADHD & ASD. Definitely check out Part 1 before you tackle this one!

In part 2 today, I discuss:

The overlap and differentiation of “Part B” of DSM ASD symptoms from ADHD symptoms
The developmental considerations of ASD and ADHD
Why we shouldn't compare males and females
The assessment process and tools to do a comprehensive assessment

Cool Things Mentioned

Caroline’s previous episodes (one & two) on parental perceptions of the evaluation
Caroline’s training for differentially diagnosing ASD and ADHD: https://koru-learning-institute.thinkific.com/courses/differential-diagnosis(use code TTP25 for 25% off!)

Enjoying the show? Help out by rating this podcast on Apple to help others get access to this information too! apple.co/3ysFijh

Follow Dr. Caroline

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.carolinebuzanko

IG: https://www.instagram.com/dr.carolinebuzanko/

LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/dr-caroline-buzanko

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrCarolineBuzanko/

Website: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/

Resources: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/resources/articles-child-resilience-well-being-psychology/

Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

74. Differentiating ADHD & Autism Part 1 (RECAST)

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 07 Mar 2023 07:00:00 GMT

This week I am sharing an episode first seen on The Testing Psychologist (https://www.thetestingpsychologist.com/346-differentiating-adhd-autism-part-1-w-dr-caroline-buzanko/) in which I dive into a discussion of differentiating ADHD & ASD with Dr. Jeremy Sharp.

For you testing psychologists out there, how many kids have you seen over the last few years with rule-outs of both ADHD and autism spectrum disorder? If you’re anything like our practice…hundreds. These are the two most common referral questions in our practice, yet they’re also challenging to tease apart.

In part 1 today, we discuss:

Why it’s important for clinicians to tease these apart
Neuroanatomical similarities and differences between the two
The overlap and differentiation of “Part A” of DSM ASD symptoms from ADHD symptoms

Cool Things Mentioned

Caroline’s previous episodes (one & two) on parental perceptions of the evaluation
Caroline’s training for differentially diagnosing ASD and ADHD: https://koru-learning-institute.thinkific.com/courses/differential-diagnosis(use code TTP25 for 25% off!)

About Dr. Caroline Buzanko

Dr. Caroline Buzanko is a Psychologist. Mother. International Speaker. Yoda of anxiety. ADHD Superhero. And Changer of Lives. With over twenty years working with children, teens, and their families, her focus is on developing long-term success and maximizing their resilience. She also trains other mental health professionals and educators to optimize their effectiveness conducting psychological assessments and working with children and teens.

Get in touch:

Website: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-caroline-buzanko/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrCarolineBuzanko/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.carolinebuzanko/
Overpowering Emotions Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/overpowering-emotions-podcast-helping-children-and/id1618828819

Enjoying the show? Help out by rating this podcast on Apple to help others get access to this information too! apple.co/3ysFijh

Follow Dr. Caroline

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.carolinebuzanko

IG: https://www.instagram.com/dr.carolinebuzanko/

LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/dr-caroline-buzanko

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrCarolineBuzanko/

Website: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/

Resources: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/resources/articles-child-resilience-well-being-psychology/

Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

73. How do you fix ODD/anxiety? (Part 2)

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 28 Feb 2023 07:00:00 GMT

In this episode of Overpowering Emotions, I continue talking about ODD and anxiety and, importantly, how to manage them.

There are numerous considerations when we have a kiddo with an ODD diagnosis, like addressing their (mis)interpretations of situations. But, even more importantly, I discuss the key environmental issues that must be addressed before we can ever work on kids' skills.

Part 2 of this ODD/anxiety series is critical to optimize our success in working with children and teens diagnosed with ODD and their families. If you haven't already, be sure to watch Part 1 to first understand these kiddos' emotion (dys)regulation and information processing biases, along with their developmental age, parent-child interactions, accommodations, and control.

Warning: I ran into some technical difficulties and didn't realize my mic was on the fritz so the last part does sound a little tinnier - apologies!

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YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.carolinebuzanko

IG: https://www.instagram.com/dr.carolinebuzanko/

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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrCarolineBuzanko/

Website: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/

Resources: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/resources/articles-child-resilience-well-being-psychology/

Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

72. Is ODD linked to anxiety?

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 21 Feb 2023 07:00:00 GMT

Episode #71 of Overpowering Emotions

Today I talk about the link between Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) and anxiety.

I walk through several important considerations to lay the foundation to support these children and teens.

The underlying processes of anxiety and ODD are nearly identical. Children or teens who experience either have trouble controlling their emotions and their reactions to those emotions.

We know anxiety shows up differently from one person to the next (e.g., some will withdraw while others may be aggressive and overly disruptive). However, what is the same for both is the underlying anxiety that drives those behavioural reactions.

Indeed, ODD kids pay attention to negative information in their environment and misinterpret situations as threatening – just like anxious kids do. And both avoid. However, those who avoid aggressively (and tend to misinterpret the signals as even more threatening than others) are the ones most likely diagnosed with ODD.

This episode is critical to understand what is going on for these children and teens, including emotion (dys)regulation and information processing biases, along with their developmental age, parent-child interactions, accommodations, and control. With this knowledge, we can be far more helpful in our interventions to support them.

In the video I also talked about a few things you can check out:

Mad Cat Burger and Fries video (to see how other animals tend to respond aggressively when scared): https://ca.video.search.yahoo.com/search/video?fr=mcafee&ei=UTF-8&p=youtube+mad+cat+burger+and+fries&type=E211CA105G0#id=1&vid=19ab6b1ac4fa91ace8abf5f52488bda6&action=click

A short video on revenge behaviours from my 30 day parenting challenge: https://youtu.be/He1_jdhm9mE

And the accompanying parenting challenge workbook: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/parentingchallengebook/

Enjoying the show? Help out by rating this podcast on Apple to help others get access to this information too! apple.co/3ysFijh

Follow Dr. Caroline

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.carolinebuzanko

IG: https://www.instagram.com/dr.carolinebuzanko/

LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/dr-caroline-buzanko

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrCarolineBuzanko/

Website: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/

Resources: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/resources/articles-child-resilience-well-being-psychology/

Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

71. How do we make the most of Valentine's with anxious kids?

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 14 Feb 2023 07:00:00 GMT

Valentine’s can come with a lot of emotional turmoil for children and teens that adults might not even be aware of. There are lots of decisions about what to give and who to give something to while minimizing total humiliation.

And, if kids have expectations that aren’t met, such as not getting a card from someone or as many as they get, it could fuel negative narratives they have about themselves. Like they’re not special or liked.

In today’s episode, Caroline talks about, no matter what happens with friends, things adults can do to ensure children feel cherished.

She then talks about how to make others feel loved and appreciated and, ultimately, how to promote prosocial emotions (and strengthen their own resilience and emotion regulation).

Whether you celebrate Valentine’s or not, this is an important episode to establish regular practices and traditions to ensure children and teens’ number one need is met (to belong) while promoting their appreciation for life, others, and themselves.

Prefer to watch? Check out the episode here: https://youtu.be/dAJYaMHBrHs

Enjoying the show? Help out by rating this podcast on Apple to help others get access to this information too! apple.co/3ysFijh

Follow Dr. Caroline

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.carolinebuzanko

IG: https://www.instagram.com/dr.carolinebuzanko/

LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/dr-caroline-buzanko

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrCarolineBuzanko/

Website: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/

Resources: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/resources/articles-child-resilience-well-being-psychology/

Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

70. Comorbidity Series: ADHD and anxiety (Part 2)

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 07 Feb 2023 07:00:00 GMT

Continuing my series on comorbidities with anxiety, today I jump into Part 2 on ADHD and anxiety.

Anxiety is common among ADHDers. However, sometimes they can mimic, overshadow, or mask each other. Therefore, it is important to differentiate the two and understand what's what to treat most effectively.

In today's episode, I talk about how to differentiate ADHD from anxiety and the best treatment approaches to supporting these kiddos. I also discuss medication considerations when trying to treat both ADHD and anxiety.

Want to learn more to maximally support students? Be sure to check out my Anxiety and/or ADHD masterclasses! https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/upcoming-events/

Want to watch? Check out the episode here: https://youtu.be/YUqcq7wKqNE

Enjoying the show? Help out by rating this podcast on Apple to help others get access to this information too! apple.co/3ysFijh

Follow Dr. Caroline

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.carolinebuzanko

IG: https://www.instagram.com/dr.carolinebuzanko/

LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/dr-caroline-buzanko

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrCarolineBuzanko/

Website: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/

Resources: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/resources/articles-child-resilience-well-being-psychology/

Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

69. What is the link between ADHD & Anxiety? (Part 1)

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 31 Jan 2023 07:00:00 GMT

Continuing my series on comorbidities with anxiety, today I talk about ADHD and anxiety. This is an important relationship to address because anxiety is ADHD’s most common comorbidity, so there is a very clear link between the two.

Moreover, there are important implications when trying to treat both ADHD & anxiety.

In Part 1 today, I discuss the relationship between ADHD and anxiety and how although anxiety can exist on its own separate from ADHD, anxiety can often develop as a result of ADHD (especially when it's not managed effectively).

Be sure to then tune in next week when I go through differentiating ADHD from anxiety and how to best support these kiddos!

Want to learn more to maximally support students? Be sure to check out my Anxiety and/or ADHD masterclasses! https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/upcoming-events/

Want to watch? Check this episode here: https://youtu.be/-0tydlvMLKU

Enjoying the show? Help out by rating this podcast on Apple to help others get access to this information too! apple.co/3ysFijh

Follow Dr. Caroline

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.carolinebuzanko

IG: https://www.instagram.com/dr.carolinebuzanko/

LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/dr-caroline-buzanko

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrCarolineBuzanko/

Website: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/

Resources: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/resources/articles-child-resilience-well-being-psychology/

Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

68. Do anxious kids have sensory sensitivities? (And how do they affect each other?)

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 24 Jan 2023 07:01:00 GMT

Today I am talking about the link between anxiety and sensory processing challenges. They are closely related and often co-occur.

Anxiety affects our body in so many ways - including how our brain processes sensory input. When we get anxious, we are more likely to experience sensory overload.

Similarly, when we are feeling overloaded by sensory input, we are more likely to feel anxious and want to avoid them.

In today's episode, I talk all about sensory processing, sensory over- and under-responsivity, the relationship between anxiety and sensory sensitivities, and how we can best support our anxious children and teens.

Prefer to watch? Check out the episode here: https://youtu.be/YBTYTgXiR_Q

Enjoying the show? Help out by rating this podcast on Apple to help others get access to this information too! apple.co/3ysFijh

Follow Dr. Caroline

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.carolinebuzanko

IG: https://www.instagram.com/dr.carolinebuzanko/

LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/dr-caroline-buzanko

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrCarolineBuzanko/

Website: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/

Resources: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/resources/articles-child-resilience-well-being-psychology/

Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

67. How do adults respond effectively to tics/OCD/anxiety? (It's all the same!)

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 17 Jan 2023 07:02:00 GMT

In today's episode, I readdress tics, OCD, and anxiety.

Although understanding the differences is important because treatment options can be very different, how we adults respond to tics, obsessions and compulsions, or anxious thoughts is very similar. And yes, there are ways that are help our kiddos manage the difficulties they experience and ways that only make things worse.

In today’s episode, I re-emphasize the importance of responding effectively when anxiety (and all its manifestations) shows up. Whether it is tics, anxiety, or big emotional outbursts, we need to respond in helpful ways.

This is a theme you hear me talk a lot about because our responses can make all the difference in the world.

Want to watch? You can here: https://youtu.be/XI1El0oHMas

Episode 67

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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrCarolineBuzanko/

Website: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/

Resources: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/resources/articles-child-resilience-well-being-psychology/

Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

66. What’s the difference between tics and tic-related OCD? (And what do we do about it?) Part 1

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 10 Jan 2023 07:04:00 GMT

In today's episode of Overpowering Emotions, I kick off my comorbidity series in which I talk about anxiety and other diagnoses it likes to hang out with.

Today I discuss the difference between tics and tic-related Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). Both can have disruptive and embarrassing symptoms that can interfere with daily functioning. There is a lot of overlap between the two, highlighting the close relationship they have with each other.

The majority of kiddos with one likely also have experienced the other. And, clinically, it can be extremely tricky to distinguish complex tics from compulsions.

Understanding the difference between the two is important because the function of the behaviours we see are usually very different, even when anxiety is in the mix with both. Therefore, how we treat them is very different as well.

It is essential to understand the relationship between OCD and tics to optimize children and teens' success. Be sure to hear more about these differences between tics and compulsions and what to watch out for.

Want to watch this episode? You can here: https://youtu.be/pNCOC5fyIMo

Enjoying the show? Help out by rating this podcast on Apple to help others get access to this information too! apple.co/3ysFijh

Follow Dr. Caroline

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.carolinebuzanko

IG: https://www.instagram.com/dr.carolinebuzanko/

LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/dr-caroline-buzanko

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrCarolineBuzanko/

Website: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/

Resources: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/resources/articles-child-resilience-well-being-psychology/

Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

65. Anxiety, Self-Esteem, and Effective Communication with Special Guest Hilary Sims

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 03 Jan 2023 07:01:00 GMT

In today's episode, I had the wonderful opportunity to speak with Hilary Sims. We discuss anxiety and the biggest impacts of COVID and anxiety: isolation and low self-esteem. We talk about how to address these and what parents can do to help their children. Hilary and I talk about a lot of issues and ideas - be sure to tune in to hear more!

I also have a couple of bonus resources. We mentioned using emotions cards or emotion wheels to open up communication channels and build emotional literacy. You can access this resource HERE (https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/emotioncardsbodyoutlines/).

We also talked about journaling to highlight the successes we have had everyday, but also the opportunity to reflect on mistakes we have made and how we can do things a little better tomorrow. I mentioned a journal worksheet that I often give clients, which you can also access HERE (https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/successjournal/).

About Hilary:

Hilary Sims of Life Balance Counselling helps people from aged 12 and upwards to live a more fulfilling life by learning how to deal with their mental health issues in a different way.

Hilary is a Registered Member of the British Association for Counsellors and Psychotherapy (BACP) and an Accredited Member of the National Counselling Society (NCS) based in Stourbridge, West Midlands.

Hilary has a Diploma in both Therapeutic Counselling and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and a certificate in Counselling Children and Young People.

She offers Humanistic Person Centered Counselling, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) or Solution Focused Therapy (SFT). Hilary offers face to face, video or telephone sessions.

hilary@lifebalancecounselling.net

www.lifebalancecounselling.net

Enjoying the show? Help out by rating this podcast on Apple to help others get access to this information too! apple.co/3ysFijh

Follow Dr. Caroline

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.carolinebuzanko

IG: https://www.instagram.com/dr.carolinebuzanko/

LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/dr-caroline-buzanko

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrCarolineBuzanko/

Website: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/

Resources: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/resources/articles-child-resilience-well-being-psychology/

Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

64. Recast! Intentionally Sprinkling Mindfulness as Parents (from Mindfulness Off the Cushion)

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 27 Dec 2022 07:00:00 GMT

Today’s episode is a recast from the podcast, Mindfulness off the cushion, in which I speak as a guest about helping build mindfulness into children's and family's lives.

Building mindfulness in your daily life is easy to do when you set the right intentions.

No, it doesn't have to be formal sitting meditations. It's about learning to stay present with, and even enjoy, the things you are already doing.

We all know that, when we build mindfulness, we are helping our kids also boost attention, promote resilience, and manage anxiety.

Listen in to hear practical ways to create more mindfulness.

You can also check out a previous article I wrote on building focus, which incorporates elements of mindfulness too. (Read it here: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/20-essential-things-to-help-kids-with-adhd-build-focus/)

In this episode I again share the emotions cards and body outlines, which you can find here:

Emotion Cards and Body Outline: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/emotioncardsbodyoutlines/

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Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

63. Mindfulness with Claudio Barrientos

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 20 Dec 2022 07:00:00 GMT

With the holidays upon us, I wanted to do an episode on how to make the most of them. While I started to go through the things to destress, I realized that, truly, the one and most important thing to focus on is presence over presents (and busyness and rushing and chaos that can take us out of the moment).

To optimize our presence, we need to be mindful. Therefore, I knew the best episode this week was with mindfulness expert Claudio Barrientos.

Listen to today's episode to learn more about how to bring mindfulness into your own life to make the most of the holidays.

In addition, I do have a guide about how to make the most of the holidays:

1. Check out this resource: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/holidayguide/

2. Listen in on my other podcast, Parents of the Year, where my husband and I talk about making the most of the holidays as a family. https://apple.co/3du8mPK

About Claudio Barrientos:

Claudio was raised in Spain and Connecticut. He is an avid traveller with an endless curiosity of people, culture, food, philosophy, and psychology. He received his undergraduate degree in Philosophy & Theology from University of San Francisco, and his master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Texas San Antonio. Currently, Claudio is a Licensed Master Social Worker.

As a therapist, Claudio’s approach is informed by both his personal practice of mindfulness meditation and his desire to make mindfulness relatable to anyone seeking relief from the daily stressors of life.

Claudio’s path in the helping profession began in 2010 when he became a certified Mindfulness Instructor. Since that time, he has been on a mission to integrate his education in mindfulness with therapeutic interventions such as Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).

Claudio has worked with adolescents and adults in a DBT Intensive Outpatient Program, provided mental health services in Spanish to unaccompanied minors in the Office of Refugee Resettlement, and taught mindfulness to thousands of people across boardrooms, classrooms, and the general public.

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Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

62. How do we help kids who are afraid to pee in public?

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 13 Dec 2022 07:00:00 GMT

On today's episode of Overpowering Emotions, I talk about how to help kiddos who are scared to use the bathroom in public. While this is true for a lot of young children, there are still a lot of older children - even tweens and teens - who continue to avoid using public toilets.

Fear of going using the public bathroom is common, but not talked about, which is why it's important to open the conversation.

Unfortunately, so many kiddos "hold" all day, which can lead to long-term health problems. While parents tend to accommodate kids when they are young (e.g., avoiding going out in the first place), accommodations are not sustainable and only make anxiety worse.

We need to help kids manage this fear sooner than later (it's definitely easier to help them learn to cope when they are younger but it's never too late - even for our tweens and teens).

In today's episode, I share simple ideas to help kiddos learn to go to the bathroom in public successfully.

Prefer to watch? You can here: https://youtu.be/OhjdZMU2MXU

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Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

61. Avoid putting too much pressure on kids with Dr. Christopher Thurber

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 06 Dec 2022 07:00:00 GMT

We all want to help kiddos reach their full potential. However, when we put them under too much pressure, there can be serious consequences for kids.

While we certainly want to set expectations for children and encourage them, the pressure to constantly perform well in any and all parts of life can lower their motivation and lead to mental health problems. Especially when kids feel like every test or every performance is going to make or break their future success.

You can also watch this episode here: https://youtu.be/B07lMxmXY5g

In today's episode, I had the incredible opportunity to chat with Dr. Christopher Thurber. We discuss findings from his new book, The Unlikely Art of Parental Pressure: A Positive Approach to Pushing Your Child to Be Their Best Self including the ways that parental pressure can be harmful and what to do instead. Dr. Thurber shares practical examples that we all can apply in our work with families (or as parents ourselves!).

Be sure to tune in to today's episode.

Learn more about Dr. Christopher Thurber:

Dr. Christopher Thurber enjoys creating and sharing original content for business leaders, independent educators, and youth development professionals. He is a board-certified clinical psychologist, educator, author, and father. Chris earned his BA from Harvard University in 1991 and a PhD in clinical psychology from UCLA in 1997.

A dedicated teacher from a young age, Chris has more than 30 years of experience working with camps and independent schools. He has written numerous book chapters and scholarly articles on leadership, homesickness, and youth development. An awardwinning contributor to Camping Magazine and Camp Business, Chris has also shared his opinions and expertise on national and international radio, television, print media, podcasts, and webinars, including the Today Show, NPR, and CNN.

In 2007, Chris co-founded ExpertOnlineTraining.com, which quickly became the Internet’s most popular and respected educational resource for youth leaders. The hundreds of thousands of subscribers to this library of video training modules come from 43 different countries. Chris also coauthored the critically acclaimed Summer Camp Handbook with Dr. Jon Malinowski. This award-winning preparatory resource was recently translated into Mandarin to support the burgeoning camp movement in China. Chris also designed the only empirically-validated homesickness prevention program, called Prep4Camp.

During the academic year, Chris serves as one of the psychologists and instructors at Phillips Exeter Academy, an independent secondary school. He and his wife, Simonida, an analytical chemist and musician, live in New Hampshire with their sons Danilo, born in 2002, and Sava, born in 2004. You can learn more about Chris, and access all of his publications and resources, by visiting his website, DrChrisThurber.com.

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60. How do we manage test anxiety (Part 2)

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 29 Nov 2022 07:01:00 GMT

In part 2 of my discussion on test anxiety, I go through more practical and effective strategies, such as study strategies, and things students can do during and after the test to manage test anxiety and optimize their academic success now and into the future.

Want to watch this episode? You can also watch it here: https://youtu.be/ZSPzjTwbpb0

AND, be sure to check out this Test Taking Skills resource (https://korupsychology.ca/essentialskillsfortesttaking/)

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Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

59. How do we manage test anxiety? Part 1

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 22 Nov 2022 07:01:00 GMT

Loads of kids get stressed when they have to write a test. In fact, most students say that schoolwork and tests are the most stressful things in their lives.

However, when that stress becomes too big, worries can make it hard for students to learn, remember what they learn, think clearly, notice mistakes, and show what they have learned. Test anxiety impairs student success and can even harm their well-being. It is essential to learn about test anxiety and how to manage it effectively.

Tune in today for part 1 of this important topic.

AND, be sure to check out this Test Taking Skills resource (https://korupsychology.ca/essentialskillsfortesttaking/)

Prefer to watch? You can also watch this episode on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/PjUUHyIg2UI

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Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

58. What makes a good IPP for anxiety?

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 15 Nov 2022 07:01:00 GMT

Today I continue the discussion on supporting anxious student success in school. One thing that I see impairing anxious students that happens far too often are accommodations for anxiety in the classroom.

The strategies for anxiety in students' Individualized Program Plans (IPPs), though well-intentioned, actually make the student's anxiety worse and lead to worse outcomes over time. This is because they are not strategies at all – they usually allow kids to escape anxiety.

One small accommodation to allow kids to sit out of class presentations can snowball into complete school refusal. It’s a very slippery slope.

Tune in to ensure you are not making these mistakes and what needs to happen to actually support anxious students.

*IMPORTANT!

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57. How do we help kids manage social anxiety?

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 08 Nov 2022 07:00:00 GMT

Being human means we all feel some social anxiety. We are social creatures and have a foundational need to belong.

However, it starts to become a problem when we feel such intense worries that it interferes with our ability to function, our relationships, and our ability to live life.

Social anxiety is on the rise and has only intensified since COVID. During that time kiddos have missed out on so many important developmental opportunities to connect and socialize. ( Adults too have gotten out of practice with being in social situations.) When it starts interfering with life, we need to do something about it immediately.

Tune in to today's episode where I discuss the importance of building skills and strengthening kids' capacity to cope effectively when social anxiety shows up.

And, here is the Door Study I mention in the show: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FWSxSQsspiQ

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56. How can we embrace shyness as a strength? With Nadia Finer

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 01 Nov 2022 06:09:00 GMT

I am so excited to have Shyness expert Nadia Finer join me on today's episode. Nadia believes it's okay to be shy and that, in fact, shyness is an essential factor in today's world. Nadia is on a softly spoken mission to help shy people be more mighty. She's the UK's leading shyness expert; the author of two books about shyness – Shy and Mighty (published by Quercus) and Shy and Mighty for Kids, (published by DK), the host of the Shy and Mighty podcast, and a coach specializing in shyness.

Nadia knows what it's like to struggle with shyness. You see, all her life she's had a little voice. Really little. The kind of voice that makes random people tell Nadia that she should be a cartoon voice-over actress. A voice so little that when strangers ring her house phone, they ask Nadia to put her mum on the phone. It's no wonder she's often shy and self-conscious!

Nadia believes that shyness is not a weakness, or a shameful secret. Shy people are not broken. And they don't need to change who they are. Nadia is a regular speaker in organizations and schools around the UK. She has appeared on Radio 4 Saturday Live, Woman's Hour, and the ITV News. She's been in the Times, Guardian, the Telegraph, The Telegraph, The Independent, and in Good Housekeeping.

On today's episode, we discuss:

* What shyness really is and why we feel shy

* How to work with your shyness instead of against it

* Why the world needs shy people

* How to turn your shyness into a superpower

About Nadia Finer

For 15 years, Nadia Finer has helped people of all ages to overcome insecurities and fears to achieve their dreams. With more than 50 percent of the world population experiencing shyness, Nadia's work to raise awareness of shyness in schools and organisations has helped change thousands of lives.

Check out Nadia´s socials below

https://www.facebook.com/iamshyandmighty

https://www.instagram.com/iamshyandmighty/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/nadiafiner/ https://twitter.com/nadiafiner

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Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

55. Anxiety Detection & Social Media with Dr. Jon Gruda

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 25 Oct 2022 06:01:00 GMT

Next on the journey of social anxiety, I have to ensure we talk about social media because it plays a huge role in the amount of social anxiety people experience today.

In today's episode I had a fascinating discussion with Dr. Jon Gruda on anxiety detection using linguistic analysis.

We get into a few different things, though a large part of our discussion was on how our posts can influence others' emotions, contributing to the very real phenomenon of emotional contagion. Additionally, Dr. Gruda shares ideas for everyone about how we can think about the influence of our posts we put out on social media as well as how others' posts can affect us.

I talk a lot in all my workshops on how much social media affects our kids in particular and contributes to a considerable amount of social anxiety.

There are also some great tips for our children and teens who use social media.

Don't miss out on this fantastic episode.

About Dr. Gruda:

Dr. Jon Gruda is an Assistant Professor in Organisational Behaviour at the National University of Ireland Maynooth. One of his primary research streams has been developing machine learning models that can infer anxiety using social media data. He also conducts research on the intersection of anxiety, personality, and leadership.

University page: https://www.maynoothuniversity.ie/people/jon-gruda

Personal website: https://www.jongruda.com/

Twitter: @learn2upgrade

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54. How do you manage perfectionism? Part 2: Treatment

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 18 Oct 2022 07:00:00 GMT

Today, I talk about how we address perfectionism in more detail.

Yes, I do talk about the most important thinking trap to address, but I also highlight the things we must DO to help anxious kiddos manage perfectionism.

After all, as with anything related to anxiety, it's more about what we do than what we say.

BONUS: Is perfectionism holding you, a client, or someone you know back? Check out this quiz to see! https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/is-perfectionism-holding-you-back/

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Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

53. How do you manage perfectionism? Part 1

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 11 Oct 2022 07:00:00 GMT

As I work through some of the biggest anxiety-provoking school-related things for students, today I talk about perfectionism.

Perfectionism has steadily increased over the years, with our younger generations establishing increasingly more extreme standards for themselves, which can be crippling.

It is critical we address perfectionism before anything else. Otherwise, we won't get very far in helping children and teens manage anxiety or other big feelings. Perfectionism contributes to, and even maintains, whatever struggles a student has, whether self-doubt, worries, or depression.

If we can see improvement with perfectionism, everything else may improve too.

Don't miss this two-part series! These students need our help.

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Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

52. Special Episode BELIEVE IN PEOPLE (Recast)

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 04 Oct 2022 06:01:00 GMT

In this special episode, I am a guest on the BELIEVE IN PEOPLE Podcast with Kevin Tibbles & Amy Goldberg

In this episode we talk about helping children and teens master their anxiety, and what parents need to know.

Find out what kids wish parents knew …

A conversation worth having.

Check out BELIEVE IN PEOPLE Podcast: A podcast for people with hope.

You can also WATCH HERE (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hOKLslZRq7c&feature=youtu.be)

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Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

51. How do we deal with school refusal? Part III: Individual Skills and Processes for Success

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 27 Sep 2022 07:00:00 GMT

Today I finish my discussion on managing school avoidance. If you've missed them, check out the previous two episodes in which I addressed the foundational considerations for setting up student success with a supportive environment with adults who know how to respond effectively when anxiety shows up.

Today I focus on the skills students need to learn and the processes we must implement to promote student success in returning to school.

AND, if you want to deep dive with me and learn exactly how to do a functional analysis to figure out exactly what is happening for students and design an effective re-entry plan in managing school avoidance, don't miss out on my upcoming School Refusal training! (https://bit.ly/schoolrefusalworkshop)

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Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

50. How do we deal with school refusal? Part II Treatment Considerations for Success

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 20 Sep 2022 07:59:00 GMT

I continue the Back to School Success series and today's episode is Part II on School Refusal where I begin digging into treatment considerations. I discuss the need for a comprehensive school-based approach and outline the student, family, and school needs to be addressed.

Using the resilience pyramid (https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/pyramidofresilience/) that I have discussed in previous episodes, I dive into the need to first set up the right environment for students to be successful at home and school. And especially how we must focus on making school a safe, inviting, connecting, and inclusive place for students.

Be sure to check out this week's episode and identify what needs are not being addressed. This episode sets the stage for next week, where I get into the skills students need to learn and specific re-entry plans.

AND, if you want to deep dive with me and learn exactly how to do a functional analysis and design an effective re-entry plan in managing school avoidance, don't miss out on my upcoming School Refusal training! (https://bit.ly/schoolrefusalworkshop)

Enjoying the show? Help out by rating this podcast on Apple to help others get access to this information too! apple.co/3ysFijh

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Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

49. How do we deal with school refusal? Part 1

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 13 Sep 2022 07:17:00 GMT

We are in the Back to School Success Series in which I talk about all school-related anxieties and how to maximally support anxious students to become masters over anxiety.

In today's episode, I start addressing the big topic of School Refusal. It is such a big topic that I had to break the issue into three parts.

In part 1 today, I lay the foundations of all the important considerations we need to set these students up for success. Don't miss this episode - school refusal is a psychiatric crisis and when these students do not get the support they need, they are vulnerable to a whole host of social, emotional, psychological, and health risks.

In today's episode, I mention Youth Mental Health Canada's survey on school refusal. Check it out here: https://ymhc.ngo/research/research-surveys/

*IMPORTANT!

Remember: our responses are ALWAYS supportive and empathetic. The strategies I discuss are designed to

strengthen a child's emotional resilience within the context of a secure and supportive relationship.

Secure attachment ensures that children feel safe, supported, and understood, which is essential for fostering independence and emotional growth.

The goal is to avoid reinforcing anxiety through unhelpful responses while still providing the necessary connection children need to thrive. This approach is about finding a balance between supportive empathy and confidence that promotes healthy emotional development.

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Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

48. How do we manage separation anxiety?

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 06 Sep 2022 07:11:00 GMT

While some separation anxiety is normal in early childhood, it becomes serious when it doesn't go away as children get into their elementary school years and interferes with typical activities like going to school or going to a friend's house.

While it can be hard for children and teachers to see children in distress, we don't want to fall into the common traps that make anxiety stronger, like allowing children to avoid the things they're afraid of and reassuring them that everything will be fine.

In today's episode, I discuss these traps and what we can do instead to help these children master the uncomfortable thoughts and feelings that come with separation anxiety.

*IMPORTANT!

Remember: our responses are ALWAYS supportive and empathetic. The strategies I discuss are designed to

strengthen a child's emotional resilience within the context of a secure and supportive relationship.

Secure attachment ensures that children feel safe, supported, and understood, which is essential for fostering independence and emotional growth.

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47. Emotion Regulation Skill Building Part 9: Stress inoculation

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 30 Aug 2022 07:47:00 GMT

Today is a jam-packed episode in which I cover the most essential part of helping our children develop solid emotion regulation skills.

A key point I have talked about repeatedly is that kiddos need to learn to cope with their emotions and build resilience through the right experiences. Today I talk specifically about how important stress inoculation is for kiddos to learn to manage big feelings.

When kids are allowed to stay within their comfort zones and adults walk on eggshells to avoid any big emotional or behavioural meltdowns, we are setting these kiddos up for failure. They never learn how to cope. They lose the chance to practice and grow

The focus on today then is about setting up the right experiences so that kiddos can cope with their frustration, grief, disappointment, anger, worries, and other big feelings.

And learn helpful ways to respond (instead of giving up, freaking out, or avoiding).

I also talk about how important stress inoculation is to self-esteem, confidence, and competence.

Don’t miss today’s episode – it is the foundation for our success to support children and youth’s emotion regulation.

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46. Emotion Regulation Skill Building Part 8: Raising Self-Awareness of Behaviours

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 23 Aug 2022 07:09:00 GMT

In Part 8 of this Emotion Regulation Skill-building series, I talk about raising self-awareness of the behavioural aspect of emotion. This skill is foundational for managing any emotion and even any behaviour.

When we talk about behaviours, these include our body language as well as what we actually do when big emotions come up. Tune in today to find out more about how to help kiddos develop self-awareness about this third important aspect of emotion.

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45. Emotion Regulation Skill Building: Awareness of the Physiological and Cognitive Aspects of Emotion

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Thu, 18 Aug 2022 02:50:15 GMT

In today's episode I introduce two key aspects of emotions: the physiological and cognitive. I also discuss the need to develop self-awareness of these experiences for effective emotion regulation.

Lack of self-awareness is the biggest barrier to self-regulation. Many kids aren't even aware that they are on the brink of an emotional meltdown or if they are engaging in problematic behaviours. That is why we need to start here, with self-awareness. Without it, no skill development will ever happen.

Don't miss this episode - learn what you need to know about regulation and how to help kiddos raise their awareness of emotions.

You can also WATCH HERE!

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44. Emotion Regulation Skill Building Part 6: Appropriate Epectations & Supports

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 09 Aug 2022 07:00:00 GMT

We are continuing our skill-building classes. I have focused a lot on co-regulation and previously talked about what co-regulation looks like depending on kiddos' age. Today, I am talking about what self-regulation looks like for our kids depending on their ages and how we can establish appropriate expectations and supports to help them be successful.

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43. How do we build emotion regulation? With Dr. Hank Weisinger

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 02 Aug 2022 08:32:00 GMT

As part of the Emotion Regulation Skill Building series, I am extremely excited to welcome Dr. Hendrie Weisinger to the show to talk about how parents can help promote their children's emotion regulation skills.

Dr. Weisinger is a leading authority on the application of emotional intelligence and anger management and the originator of the highly regarded techniques of criticism training as well as a pioneer in the emerging field of "pressure management" - including parenting.

Check out more of Dr. Weisinger at:

@PressureTweets

www.hankweisingerphd.com

And you can find his book The Unlikely Art of Parental Pressure: A Positive Approach to Pushing your Child to Be Their Best Self on Amazon at https://www.amazon.ca/Unlikely-Art-Parental-Pressure-Positive/dp/0306874776

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42. How can we build children’s emotion regulation skills? Part 5: Responding in helpful ways to create safety

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 26 Jul 2022 09:36:00 GMT

I have talked lots about responding effectively to anxiety and other big feelings. It is critical I address it again in this skills-building series because, even if we don't ever get to the kids' skill-building, how adults respond to big emotions when they show up makes all the difference in the world. And hearing it again is important because parents need lots of reminders and practice so get unstuck from our habitual (and unhelpful) ways of responding.

Adults need to learn how to become effective emotion coaches. And I talk about how to do this (with one key, easy communication hack parents can master today) in this episode, so be sure to listen in!

You can also check out these resources to help parents become effective communicators with their kiddos.

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41. How can we build children’s emotion regulation skills? Part 4: What co-regulation looks like

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 19 Jul 2022 07:45:00 GMT

I spent the last two weeks talking parental stress and co-regulation. Because they need help. If their emotions overwhelm them, they cannot regulate their emotions on their own. Today I talk about the difference between misbehaviour and stress behaviour as well as what effective co-regulation looks like for kiddos depending on their ages from preschool years all the way up to adulthood.

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40. How can we build children’s emotion regulation skills? Part 3: Modeling vulnerability and coping

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 12 Jul 2022 08:32:00 GMT

In today's episode, we are in Part 3 of the emotion regulation skill-building series.

Last week I talked about the need for parents to manage their stress so they can co-regulate with their upset child (and avoid emotional meltdowns and temper outbursts, which only add to parents' stress).

Above managing stress, there are additional things parents can do to promote their children's emotional literacy and overall emotion regulation skills. Modelling is paramount. Specifically, modelling vulnerability (to help normalize feelings), as well as how we cope with our emotions (in helpful ways). Tune in to learn more!

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39. How can we build children's emotion regulation skills? Part 2: Managing Parental Stress

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 05 Jul 2022 10:32:00 GMT

When we help children develop emotion regulation skills, we first need to start with their environment. Last week I talked about the need for the important people in children's lives to manage their own stress first to be effective co-regulators.

Today I jump right into how to manage stress. Parents are feeling stressed, which has only worsened exponentially since COVID. When we look at the research on the effect of COVID, parents were hit the hardest and are far more stressed than those who did not have children.

Therefore, helping parents manage stress is a major issue we need to address if we have any hope of helping children regulate.

Don't miss out - I am going to talk about the common types of stress and how to manage each.

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38. How can we build children’s emotion regulation skills? Part 1: Systems

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 28 Jun 2022 09:00:00 GMT

Last week I talked about how we cannot focus too much on kids and teens when it comes to emotion regulation. Today I dig into emotion regulation (and how it is NOT self-control) and how there are multiple systems around the child that must be addressed to improve their overall emotional wellbeing because there are so many factors that influence a child's success with managing emotions. I have actually created a resilience pyramid to illustrate the fact that there are multiple considerations to make before we can focus on skill development for our kiddos.

At the end of the day, we need to build not only the child’s, but the family’s - and even community’s and society’s - capacity to cope because each of those influence our kids’ capacity to cope.

Today, I focus on family. I discuss how parental stress is contagious and the importance of building their capacity as effective co-regulators for their children.

Access the resilience pyramid here: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/pyramidofresilience/

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37. Why is a child in therapy on their own a problem?

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 21 Jun 2022 09:00:00 GMT

Today is the first day of my summer series in which I am focusing on emotion regulation and anxiety management skill-building. Over the next two months, the goal here is to help families develop the understanding and skills they need to help children and teens start their new school year off on the right foot.

I have touched on this before, but a major mistake I see is when a therapist is working alone with the child or teen, trying to work on their skill development. However, emotion regulation and anxiety management is a family process. (After all, the greatest predictor of anxiety disorders in kids is having parents who model anxious behaviours.)

When we look at things like resilience and emotion regulation, child skills are the last to develop. (Check out my resilience pyramid: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/pyramidofresilience/).

Resilience is more about what we receive from the world around us than the skills we have. Therefore, we first need to ensure the environment is set up for emotion regulation success. A key part of that is ensuring that the adults in that child’s life are responding to anxiety and other bog emotions in helpful ways when they show up. And trying to make a child feel better is not helpful.

Parents and caregivers must take the role of active leadership and set boundaries for anxiety and other big emotions. Find out more in today’s episode! And be sure to join me for the rest of the summer where we will be focusing on building parents' and caregivers' co-regulation skills, stress management, and of course, the kiddos' skills in emotion regulation as well.

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36. Why does resilience need opportunity?

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 14 Jun 2022 07:56:00 GMT

I had the wonderful opportunity to chat with Cindy Thompson on her podcast, A Resilience Project, to chat about how to raise happy, confident and resilient kids.

Join us to find out why it is important for our kids to experience challenges and failure, some of the signs of stress to watch for and when to reach out for help.

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Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

35. How do we promote kids' bravery? With Dr. Todd Kashdan

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 07 Jun 2022 09:01:00 GMT

Today I had the incredible opportunity to talk to Dr. Todd Kashdan about bravery. He talks about the fact that, every time we leave the house, there is an opportunity to be brave. We talk about how parents can be good role models for our children, such as moving away from expectations and moving towards intentions and how we want to show up.

Find out more about Dr. Kashdan (https://toddkashdan.com/)

And, check out his awesome new book, The Art of Insubordination: How to Dissent and Defy Effectively. I loved reading every word of it. This book is truly the essential guide for anyone seeking to be heard, make change, and rebel against an unhealthy status quo. And, importantly, he talks about cultivating curiosity, courage, and independent critical thinking in youth.

Find the book here: https://www.amazon.com/Art-Insubordination-Dissent-Defy-Effectively/dp/0593420888

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34. What should we tell children about tragic events (including recent school shootings)?

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 31 May 2022 11:02:00 GMT

It seems there have been more and more tragic events happening in our world. With the stress of COVID the past two years, followed by the war in Ukraine, and mass shootings - the most recent last week at an elementary school, it has been emotionally overwhelming to say the least. It can be very difficult to know whether to talk about these events with our children and what to share.

In today's episode, I will review important guidelines to consider before talking to children and teens about tragic events. While the recent events prompted this episode, these guidelines can be used for any emotionally complex and potentially traumatic situation our children may experience.

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Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

33. Hoarding Disorder Part3: Relapse Prevention

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 24 May 2022 11:04:28 GMT

In today's episode, I continue to Part 3 on Hoarding Disorder. Today, I specifically address relapse prevention and important considerations to promote long-term success. There are a lot of things people fail to consider in optimizing outcomes, so be sure to listen to ensure those things are not missed!

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32. Hoarding Disorder Part 2: Intervention!

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 17 May 2022 11:04:30 GMT

In today's episode of Overpowering Emotions, I discuss hoarding disorder and key areas of intervention.

There are many areas that need to be addressed to be effective in helping individuals with hoarding. First, we need to have a strong working relationship with the individual. Trust, collaboration, and listening to their story is key. Having a thorough understanding of what is going on for them within their unique context is also important to develop a personal model about hoarding.

With that understanding, we can then design an effective systems-based treatment plan that includes boosting motivation, skill-building, rewiring the brain, and generalizing skills.

Be sure to check out today's episode to hear specific details about effective treatment planning!

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31. How do we manage hoarding? Part I

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 10 May 2022 11:00:00 GMT

As I start looking at other specific anxiety-related challenges, today I focus on Hoarding Disorder.

While I take a transdiagnostic approach and focus on the process of anxiety itself, there are some anxiety-related challenges that require additional considerations. And hoarding is one of them.

Today is Part I of this series where I take a look at hoarding and what maintains hoarding behaviours. Once we understand the maintaining variables, we can deep dive into what to do to help.

Feel free to also WATCH HERE

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30. How to build resilience?

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 03 May 2022 11:00:00 GMT

In this episode, I am a special guest on Un-Caped Heroes where I talk about how to Force the Universe!! It's the risk takers advantage !!"

My life lesson: "Don't take it all so seriously. Find and hold your childhood joy so you can be open to new possibilities."

About Un-caped Heroes – The Podcast: With each episode, Stacy & Cassey meet ordinary people who do extraordinary things. They celebrate everyday HEROES through their stories of grit and gratitude.

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Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

29. How do we manage our kids' screentime?

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 26 Apr 2022 11:00:00 GMT

Building off last week, when I talked about how screens can affect our children's mental health (and overall well-being), the next question is - how do we manage screens? Find out more in today's episode!

And, if you think working on screens is an important pursuit, check out this HANDOUT for ideas on where to start. Check out my ARTICLE for more ideas on how to manage screens as well.

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28. Do screens affect anxiety?

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 19 Apr 2022 11:00:00 GMT

I have received lots of questions asking whether screens can contribute to anxiety.

Screens have become a large part of our everyday life. Although there are recommended guidelines for screen use, most kids get fare more access than they should. And its only gotten worse since COVID.

Unfortunately, screens affect kids’ cognitive, social, and emotional development, as well as their physical and mental health. It affects sleep, memory and learning, mood, anxiety, and behaviour.

Wondering if your child is getting too much screentime (and having problems managing it)? Check out this SCREENER and see.

Listen in on today's episode to learn more!

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27. What are the most important things parents can do to help their anxious children? With Special Guest

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 12 Apr 2022 12:00:00 GMT

I am so excited for today’s episode, as it is the first time I have another guest on the show.

In today’s episode, Kristy and I talk about her journey learning to manage anxiety and feeling the need for "more" when it came to seeking help for her own anxiety.

We swing the conversation over to parenting and how critical it is to manage our own anxiety as parents to support our anxious children effectively. And how we can respond in helpful ways when their anxiety shows up!

And, inevitably, we discuss the influence screens have on kids' emotional well-being and the need to set healthy boundaries around screen time use. Kristy shares great tips to think about – be sure to listen in!

Meet Kristy!

Kristy is a healthcare professional with over a decade of experience. She worked primarily as a Nurse in the medical field for eight years, then worked in other healthcare sectors. She is passionate about helping to reduce burnout in an industry prone to it through empowering a holistic approach to health and wellbeing. She does this through self-care practices defined by the individual. As explained in her upcoming book, "The 30-day Self-care solution for Nurses - Reduce burnout and build stronger boundaries and relationships."

Visit Kristy's website

Connect on Instagram:

@kristyanne_health

@project_inbetween

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26. How to make the brain resistant to anxiety: Integrating Mindfulness, Fear extinction, and Acceptance

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 05 Apr 2022 11:00:00 GMT

Today I am talking about how we can optimize the brain's resistance by integrating fear extinction, mindfulness, and acceptance into one session. See faster and long-lasting progress when you can skillfully integrate each of these pieces together.

You can also WATCH this week's episode!

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25. How to make the brain resistant to anxiety: Acceptance

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 29 Mar 2022 11:00:00 GMT

I am still talking about how to make the brain more resistant to anxiety. Today is a critical piece that is often skipped over. Acceptance. Without acceptance, other strategies you try, such as mindfulness, may only make anxiety worse. Listen in to hear why!

You can also WATCH this week's episode!

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24. Special Episode! Helping Anxious Children

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 22 Mar 2022 11:00:00 GMT

I am so excited to be on Sydney Torres' Balance Health Now Podcast.

Does your child or teen suffer from anxiety? Feelings of anxiety can be extremely overwhelming especially for kids and teens. As parents or caretakers how do we help them manage and regulate their behavior while giving them freedom to develop more independence.

In this special episode, I provide solutions for helping parents support their anxious children. Learn how to turn disadvantages into advantages and move past the daily struggles.

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23. How can exercise enhance fear extinction (and improve the brain's resistance to anxiety)?

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 15 Mar 2022 11:00:00 GMT

I have been talking all about how to make the brain more resistant to anxiety and last week I talked about fear extinction. This week I talk about how we can enhance that safety learning: through exercise. BUT, the timing has to be right. Listen to hear more!

You can also WATCH this week's episode!

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22. How to make the brain resistant to anxiety: Fear Extinction

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 08 Mar 2022 12:00:00 GMT

Today I talk about how we can make the brain more resistant to anxiety through fear extinction. I talk about fear learning and how easily generalized that fear learning is and the new learning we need to make sure happens to manage anxiety effectively.

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21. How to make the brain resistant to anxiety: Mindfulness

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 01 Mar 2022 12:00:00 GMT

Today I talk about how we can make the brain more resistant to anxiety through mindfulness. Anxiety likes to trick us and suck us into autopilot, which is where we get lost in worry. Mindfulness helps us wake up and get out of the vortex of rumination.

Download this resource to build daily mindful practices.

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20. How to make the brain resistant to anxiety: Awareness

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 22 Feb 2022 12:00:00 GMT

I have talked a lot about anxiety and the brain and wanted to look at how we can make the brain more resistant to anxiety and stop being so trigger-happy to anxiety. First, we need awareness. And while there are several components to awareness that I will be talking about in coming episodes, today I lay the foundation for building this awareness in the first place and the five elements of emotion to become aware of.

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Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

19. Does sleep affect anxiety?

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 15 Feb 2022 12:30:00 GMT

In today's episode I talk all about the relationship between anxiety and sleep. And how we need to address sleep to be effective in any anxiety management we do!

Check out this SLEEP RESOURCE to help set up the right sleeping environment for your children.

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18. How do you deal with brain-triggered anxiety?

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 08 Feb 2022 13:00:00 GMT

There is so much to learn about how to help anxious children and teens but today I start to address some of the things we can do depending on whether anxiety is cortex-based or amygdala-based. (And we need to know the difference to respond in helpful ways!)

Check out today's episode to learn more.

You can also WACTH HERE!

Interested in deep diving even further with me? CONTACT ME for more information!

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17. What is the difference between the amygdala and the cortex in anxiety?

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 01 Feb 2022 12:00:00 GMT

What is the difference between the amygdala and the cortex in anxiety? It is actually important to know the differences to ensure that our strategies are targeting the right part of the brain (at the right time!). It’s ineffective, for example, to use cortex-based strategies when the amygdala is activated. Check out today's episode to learn more. You can also WATCH HERE!

Interested in deep diving even further with me? CONTACT ME for more information!

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16. Does anxiety damage the brain?

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 25 Jan 2022 13:00:00 GMT

I had lots of questions about whether anxiety damages the brain. Check out today's episode to learn more.

You can also WATCH HERE

Interested in deep diving even further with me? CONTACT ME for more information!

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15. How does the brain affect anxiety?

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 18 Jan 2022 12:00:00 GMT

While I typically focus on the things in our environment that maintain anxiety, understanding what happens in the brain is important to know as well. In today's episode, I talk all about the different parts of the brain that influences anxiety, as well as the neurotransmitters and hormones that are involved. You can also WATCH HERE.

Interested in deep diving even further with me? CONTACT ME for more information!

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14. What is relaxation-induced anxiety?

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 11 Jan 2022 12:00:00 GMT

Have you heard of relaxation-induced anxiety? It's not a new phenomenon yet many people aren't aware of it - but we definitely need to be! Find out more in today's episode. You can also watch here: https://youtu.be/6NE0cHxDq4w

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13. Why does telling an anxious child to relax only make anxiety worse?

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 04 Jan 2022 13:00:00 GMT

Today I talk about why TRYING to make an anxious child relax only makes their anxiety worse. While relaxation is important, the problem is when we focus on relaxation as the outcome. Find out why in today's episode.

Prefer to watch? https://youtu.be/96Bdcl_DsPs

The strategies I discuss are designed to strengthen a child's emotional resilience within the context of a secure and supportive relationship.

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12. What are conditioned safety behaviours and how to avoid them?

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 21 Dec 2021 12:00:00 GMT

I had loads of questions about conditioned safety learning and whether this is a good thing or not. No! Conditioned safety learning can also make anxiety worse. Listen in on today's episode to learn more about conditioned safety learning and how to avoid it.

You can also watch here!

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Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

11. What are safety behaviours and how do they make anxiety worse?

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 14 Dec 2021 13:00:00 GMT

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10. How do we get stressed by trying to be happy?

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 07 Dec 2021 12:30:00 GMT

From last time, talking about how we can hinder brain development so easily, I thought I'd shed some light on the myth of happiness. It is easy for anxious kids and teens to think there is something wrong with them when they can't be happy, though that is the furthest thing from the truth. They are human! Anxiety is part of being human. Understanding the myth of happiness can help them normalize their experiences.

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9. How does trying to make kids feel better make their anxiety worse?

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 30 Nov 2021 11:30:00 GMT

Last week I said that whatever we do to make anxious kids feel better actually makes their anxiety worse. I had lots of questions on this one. So, today, I go into WHY that is the case....

We'll explore the psychology behind this phenomenon, uncovering how well-intentioned actions can hinder a child's brain development and ability to cope with anxiety. I'll highlight the unintended consequences of certain practices and the delicate balance needed to support anxious children without fostering dependence on external validation or reassurance.

*IMPORTANT!* It's crucial to understand that a strong, securely attached relationship with adults is foundational for any strategies I discuss to be effective. This approach is not about leaving children to "suck it up" but rather empowering them with the resilience and skills they need to manage their anxieties. Secure attachment ensures that children feel safe, supported, and understood, which is essential for fostering independence and emotional growth.

Remember, our responses are always supportive and empathetic. The strategies I discuss aim to strengthen a child's emotional resilience within the context of a secure and supportive relationship. The goal is to avoid reinforcing anxiety through over-reassurance while providing the necessary connection children need to thrive. This approach finds a balance between supportive empathy and confidence, promoting healthy emotional development. When children become the heroes of their own stories, they won't experience trauma.

Join me today as I continue to unravel the complexities of childhood anxiety and pave the way for more effective, empowering approaches.

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Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

8. How can do we address Imposter Phenomenon?

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Wed, 24 Nov 2021 05:39:55 GMT

I am excited to chat with Joe Sanock from The Practice of the Practice about the Imposter Phenomenon (IP). In this episode, I discuss various factors that contribute to feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt, even in highly successful individuals. Together, we explore strategies and techniques to overcome IP, helping you build confidence and recognize your true worth.

We also touch on practical tools to enhance your productivity and combat perfectionism, which often goes hand-in-hand with IP. I'll introduce you to a productivity planner that can help you stay organized and focused, ensuring that perfectionism doesn't hold you back from achieving your goals.

Tune in to gain valuable insights and actionable tips to tackle IP and boost your productivity. Don't miss this empowering conversation designed to help you unlock your full potential!

Check out the productivity planner AND see if perfectionism is holding you back.

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Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

7. How do adults make kids' anxiety worse?

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 16 Nov 2021 12:40:00 GMT

As parents, educators, and mental health professionals, we all want to be helpful to the children and teens in our life. And we all want to help them manage their anxiety effectively. However, in us wanting them to feel better, sometimes our actions can unintentionally make their anxiety worse. In today's episode, I discuss the common traps that caregivers (and all adults, really) fall into that can maintain anxiety in children and teenagers.

It's important to understand that knowing what maintains anxiety is far more crucial than figuring out where it came from. Pinpointing the exact cause of anxiety can be difficult, if not impossible, given the way our brain works (and its tendency to make irrational associations). However, understanding what keeps it going is essential. Because there is something we can do about it. As caregivers, educators, or mental health professionals, we cannot effectively help our anxious children and teens if we're not aware of the variables - including the things that we are doing - that are maintaining their anxiety.

We need to stop falling into these traps if we are ever going to see progress with our kids.

This informative episode is essential to explore the traps that adults can fall into that maintain anxiety in children and teenagers. Learn how to identify and address these variables to help children and teens manage their anxiety better.

Prefer to WATCH? (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=REUte_yLpqY)

*IMPORTANT! Sometimes people have a hard time listening to this message. It's crucial to understand that a strong, securely attached relationship with adults is foundational for any strategies I discuss to be effective. This approach is not about leaving children to "suck it up" but rather empowering them with the resilience and skills they need to manage their anxieties. Secure attachment ensures that children feel safe, supported, and understood, which is essential for fostering independence and emotional growth.

Remember: our responses are

ALWAYS supportive and empathetic. The strategies I discuss are designed to

strengthen a child's emotional resilience within the context of a secure and

supportive relationship. The goal is to avoid reinforcing anxiety through over-reassurance,

while still providing the necessary connection children need to thrive. This

approach is about finding a balance between supportive empathy and confidence

that promotes healthy emotional development. When

they can be the heroes of their own story, they will not experience trauma.

I also have FREE webinars for mental health professionals to learn more about the common mistakes we make that stall children's progress in managing anxiety. Be sure to check it out (https://koru-learning-institute.thinkific.com/courses/avoidingcommonmistakeswithanxiety), along with other training opportunities with me!

Enjoying the show? Help out by rating this podcast on Apple to help others get access to this information too! apple.co/3ysFijh

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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrCarolineBuzanko/

Website: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/

Resources: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/resources/articles-child-resilience-well-being-psychology/

Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

6. What is stressing out our kids?

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 09 Nov 2021 12:00:00 GMT

After talking about why our children and teens are not getting the support they need to manage anxiety last week, I received a lot of questions about what might be causing their anxiety. Today, I delve deeper into this topic and try to understand some of the most important factors that contribute to our kids' anxiety.

First of all, it's important to remember that anxiety is a part of our evolutionary heritage. Our ancestors lived in a dangerous world, and anxiety was a useful response to keep them safe. However, the world we live in today is vastly different from what our ancestors experienced. The same anxious response that helped our ancestors might not be as helpful in our modern world. So, there must be something else contributing to our children's anxiety.

The number one contributor to anxiety is stress. Stress is a normal part of being human, and we all face it at some point in our lives. However, some unique stressors that we have control over are contributing to our children's anxiety. Understanding these stressors is crucial to helping our children manage their anxiety.

In today's episode, we'll explore the most common stressors that our children and teenagers face. By understanding these stressors, we can help our children cope better and reduce their anxiety levels. So, stay tuned for an informative and insightful episode on the common stressors our children and teens face!

Want to watch? (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q4-bDgYC6CY)

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Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

5. Why aren't anxious kids getting the help they need?

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 02 Nov 2021 11:30:00 GMT

In today's episode, I discuss why our anxious children and teens are not getting the help they need. Anxiety is the most common mental health concern affecting children and teens. Despite all the books, training, and knowledge out there, anxiety has continued to rise even before COVID and has grown exponentially around the world since.

Despite this prevalence, many children are not getting the support they need to manage their anxiety. In today’s episode, I discuss why children and tends are not getting the support they need.

Part of the problem is the stigma attached to mental health issues. Some may not want to acknowledge that their child is struggling with anxiety, or they may not know how to talk to their child about it. This can make it difficult for children to seek help or for parents to know where to turn for support.

Additionally, adults, including educators and parents, but even other mental health professionals who do not specialize in anxiety do not know how to respond effectively to anxiety. This can leave children feeling unsupported. Thus, all adults who interact with anxious children need to know how to respond to anxiety in helpful ways when it shows up.

It is essential to understand what is getting in the way of effectively supporting our anxious children and teens. After all, anxiety is easily preventable and treatable!

However, when left untreated, anxiety can have serious consequences for children's and teens' mental and physical health. Anxiety can interfere with their ability to learn, socialize, and enjoy life. It can also lead to physical symptoms like headaches and stomachaches, which can further impact their well-being.

Without proper support and treatment, our anxious children and teens are at risk of developing more serious mental health issues later in life.

This episode is critical to raise awareness about the prevalence of anxiety in children and teens and address the barriers getting in the way of effective treatment. In doing so, we can ensure they get the support they need to manage their anxiety and thrive.

Be sure to listen in!

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4. Worry vs. Anxiety: What's the Difference?

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Mon, 25 Oct 2021 11:00:00 GMT

In today’s episode of Overpowering Emotions, I address the questions:

What is the difference between normal worry and anxiety?

and

When should kids get help?

Anxiety and worry are two terms that are often used interchangeably, but they have distinct differences. While both can be unpleasant and unwanted emotions, understanding the differences between normal worry and anxiety is essential for parents to understand so they know how to best support their children’s emotional well-being and resilience.

Often, parents wait too long to get their child support. Some of the time it’s because they are told their child will grow out of it. Or they might not even realize that their child is experiencing anxiety. Other times, their child is experiencing normal worries but parents become overly concerned and pathologize the situation.

Understanding the difference between normal worry and anxiety can also help children better manage their emotions – especially when parents know how to respond in helpful ways.

Knowing the difference between normal worry and anxiety can also help children, teens, and their families better communicate their feelings to others. If they are experiencing anxiety, they may need to communicate their symptoms and needs to a mental health professional. If they are experiencing a normal worry, they may need to communicate their concerns and seek support or advice from a trusted adult.

Be sure to tune in to today’s episode to learn more about normal worries and anxiety and when to get kids' help. Knowing the answer to these questions is critical to help raise emotionally well-adjusted, resilient kids!

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3. (RECAST) Recommendations for Effective Psychoeducational Assesments

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 19 Oct 2021 03:51:19 GMT

This podcast first appeared on The Testing Psychologist with Dr. Jeremy Sharp. This is the second episode in a two-part series I did on the parent experience of the assessment process! In part two today, we continue talking about empowering parents and discuss several concrete changes you can make to your testing approach. Here are a few other topics to look out for across the two episodes:

Paradigms of assessment
How to gather parent expectations about the assessment process
Mistakes clinicians make during the assessment process
How to support parents after the evaluation
The importance of a second feedback meeting
Why our relationship with parents is instrumental in kids’ success
Defining values for your practice and bringing those to life with the evaluation process

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Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

2. (RECAST) Parent Experiences of Their Child's Assessment Process: Everything You Need to Know for Your Own Practice

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Tue, 12 Oct 2021 11:00:00 GMT

Very excited to share this week's episode of Deep Dive into Practice, which was first seen on The Testing Psychologist, in which I did an interview with Dr. Jeremy Sharp about parents' experiences of their child's assessment process. This is Part 1 where we go through everything you need to know about testing with kids.

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1. The Beginning

Dr. Caroline Buzanko — Sat, 09 Oct 2021 16:21:00 GMT

Welcome to Deep Dive into Practice - our very first podcast!

As mental health professionals, we all have incredible potential to create meaningful change in our client's life. But, this work isn't easy; if it were, everyone would be doing it. At the end of the day, clients are only as good as the professionals they work with.

Mastering your skills and transforming your practice begins with a conversation. And this podcast is the start, where we deep dive into practice to support your lifelong journey in mastering your skillset and becoming a highly effective mental health professional who works with children, teens, and families. By joining me, you are empowering yourself and your practice while ultimately improving your clients’ success.

Enjoying the show? Help out by rating this podcast on Apple to help others get access to this information too! apple.co/3ysFijh

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Website: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/

Resources: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/resources/articles-child-resilience-well-being-psychology/

Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/